Five key features of the HP TouchPad
Given the number of new tablet devices that have been popping up in the last few months, some may dismiss the HP TouchPad as just another Johnny-come-lately. But HP's mobile division (formerly known as Palm) is not a maker of "me-too" products. There are a number of interesting features in the firm's 9.7-inch slate. Let's take a look at five prominent ones.
1. "Cards" interface for multitasking
This may be an old feature for those already using a webOS smartphone, but its debut on a slate is significant. The "cards" interface for multitasking is one of the platform's most highly-regarded UI elements and it should be great to use on a large 9.7-inch screen. This gives a view showing a stack of cards, each representing a running app. The user can then switch between programs seamlessly. In fact, HP's Jon Rubinstein took a jab at RIM because the PlayBook utilizes a similar interface, saying "Some of the work in the industry shows we have a lot of fans of webOS."
Does it matter? 10 inches of screen real estate may be more than what's available on smartphones but is still limited compared with full-fledged computers. An intuitive way of switching between tasks is therefore paramount to the multitasking experience--the "cards" UI appears to have an advantage over the competition in this respect.
The Touchstone dock for the TouchPad. (Credit: HP)
2. TouchStone charging
Once again, this is a feature that was previously available with webOS phones. It adds conductive charging to the device so the user doesn't need to attach a cable to juice up the battery. HP's competitors have yet to implement such a feature in their smartphones and once again, the Palo Alto firm has beaten everyone else to the punch for tablets, too, when it comes to wireless charging.
Does it matter? Some people are bothered by cables, while others are not. This is a nice-to-have feature which isn't crucial, but certainly adds to TouchPad's appeal, especially to the neat freaks.
3. Seamless sync with HP Pre 3
Aside from wireless charging, the TouchPad is also capable of syncing wirelessly with the Pre 3. This allows you receive text messages and phone calls on the slate rather than your phone when you are settled at a location so you can take advantage of the larger screen. If you are browsing the Web on the TouchPad and need to leave in a hurry, tapping the Pre 3 on the tablet will open the phone's browser and load the URL you were reading.
This image shows how the TouchPad can share URLs with a Pre 3. (Credit: HP)
Does it matter? The demonstrated features appear quite limited at the moment but if HP fulfills its vision of providing a seamless experience across multiple devices, it could make owning an entire family of the brand's products quite enticing.
4. HP wireless printing for photos
In the photo albums application, it is possible to wirelessly send images to a compatible HP printer. This makes it convenient to make photo prints.
Does it matter? While such a feature is certainly convenient, it seems limited to HP printers for now. Apple's iOS recently implemented an AirPrint feature that does something similar, letting you print images and documents wirelessly from iPhones and iPads. Even though AirPrint is currently supported on 11 HP printers, there's nothing to stop brands such as Canon and Epson from making compatible models, too. In fact, it's in Apple's best interest for all printer brands to support AirPrint. In that respect, unless HP opens up its wireless printing technology to other printer brands (which is unlikely), iOS' implementation could be superior to webOS'.
5. Partnership with providers for content
Digital magazines and books were demonstrated on the TouchPad during this morning's demo. These included the Sports Illustrated magazine as well as books from Amazon using a Kindle app. As such, this tablet could be used as an e-book reader just like tablets from Apple and Samsung.
Does it matter? This is a big deal for those in America and Europe but unfortunately, doesn't matter to us in Asia. Currently, most users in our region can't even access the Kindle store to buy books because Amazon will not (or perhaps, cannot, because of copyright issues) offer the service here.
About the author
Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
Be the first to comment
Sign In with Facebook or create an account to post a review.
