GADGET WATCH: HP TouchPad

IPAD competitors to come. This week marks the launch of the HP touch pad in the U.S., the tablet is powered by software WebOS he has acquired during the acquisition of Palm last year.

So far nothing has been able to dethrone Apple gadget key. But HP has a strong tablet with the power of the software enough that it could pose a threat. But he has what it takes to eat a piece of the market shelf?

Features and equipment

There are two versions of the HP touch pad, a 16GB and 32GB. Both have the same type of equipment, the only difference is memory.

The touchpad is a 9.7-inch multi-touch, which is a 1024x768 display. It supports WiFi and Bluetooth with A2DP Stereo Bluetooth. WebOS software phones can connect to share their phone calls and text messages.

Battery life is approximately nine hours, although it is certainly less consistent use.

Gadgets is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 1.2Ghz. It also has a 1.3 megapixel camera in front of the device.

The software offers a wide variety of applications, including browser, email, messages, photos, calendar applications. Users can also download the WebOS applications on the market, although most of them are designed for mobile WebOS.

What's the verdict?

So far, the largest supplement seems to be aimed at the "blade" system. Instead of using regular application icons, WebOS shows the different types of "cards" representing an application.

When users select a card, open the screen. When you close one, you can flick back to the start screen, scroll up or get rid of the paper. A number of "cards" can be performed at the same time.

The Wall Street Journal points of these cards are smart enough.

"For example, combining contact and photo cards, local content and online from sources like Google and Facebook, and linked to the card functions as an e-mail and attachment that you opened, are stacked on the other. "

The WSJ also notes that the phone can be synchronized between WebOS and send voice calls, text messages, both in the same way BlackBerry phones can connect to the playbook.

CNET also said e-mail is a good feature so you can combine the accounts from various sources, including Gmail, Exchange, and Yahoo.

Some reviewers have praised the inclusion of the editing suite of documents.

global computer multitasking acclaimed efforts and said that switching between applications is "a much more intuitive than Apple."

But it also highlights a number of shortcomings. For one thing, Flash performance is not brilliant, and neither the keyboard on the screen. The two may tend to drag.

The auditors also pointed out a number of defects, such as the inability to connect to a Wi-Fi, App crashes

"One thing that is not always touch pad to give you a quick answer," says the Guardian. "Many times, you're left looking at its tail-chase white circle icon as it communicates with servers or HP other companies. "

And ZDNet says while multitasking capabilities could be even better than the iPad, (as well as a built-in ability to print documents), there is a lot missing in the arena of entertainment.

"The touchpad just does not have the App, or the catalog of entertainment to compete with Apple's iTunes ecosystem, or IOS. However, if it is a partner of Amazon, could also be a lot of ground very quickly, at least part of the entertainment "he says.

Who is it for?

It is important to note that HP TouchPad not be released in Australia until the end of the year, but fans will be able to have if traveling to the United States.

While the touchpad can be aimed at consumers who want a pill, but not an iPhone, it seems that they have not stuck in the "entertainment" aspect. The list of available applications is thin, and the ability to download movies, music and games is quite limited.

But if you're a busy executive and the race, the touch screen may be for you. It will not cost as much as the iPhone, has a lot of energy and e-mail software powerful that will help a lot too. But do not expect the sweetest performance.