In HP is launching its latest tablet, the TouchPad, almost a year after it purchased Palm for $.1.2 billion. Built around Palms webOS, the TouchPad looks quite attractive with its black design, rounded corners and a solid build quality. The back is contrived from plastic, but the device still weighs around 1.6 pounds, which makes it marginally heavier than the iPad. The screen size is similar to that in iPad, it measures 24.64 centimeters at the diagonal.
Two models of the TouchPad have currently been launched 16GB model and the 32GB model. The webOS is a joy to use; it certainly offers a better user experience as compared to what we have in the Android based tablets. The bundled apps are quite good and the web browser works at high speed. HP has also provided a centre button that lights up when new notifications arrive and the screen is turned off. Unlike the iPad, the TouchPad supports Adobe's Flash video format.
As the TouchPad is the first device to be using the webOS, it might take some time for users to get used to it. Running apps are handled by using the card metaphor, which turns out to be quite good for the tablet screen. You can read new emails in the minimized card view without having to open the email app. However, the lack of plethora of apps is a real problem. HP might find it impossible to match the thousands of apps that are available to iPad users. Even the Android systems are far ahead when it comes to apps.
The date when the TouchPad will be launched in India is not yet finalised, but judging by HPs huge presence in the country, it might happen sooner than we expect.
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