HP TouchPad 4G Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to the HP TouchPad 4G

The HP TouchPad 4G was an ambitious undertaking by Hewlett-Packard aimed at making a significant impact in the ever-evolving tablet market. Announced in July 2011, this device was set to offer a unique blend of design, functionality, and seamless connectivity. Although its journey was cut short due to its cancellation, the HP TouchPad 4G remains a noteworthy chapter in the history of tablet technology.

Design and Build

The HP TouchPad 4G featured a sleek and modern design, measuring 240 x 190 x 13.7 mm and weighing 740 grams. Its solid build provided a reassuring heft while retaining an air of sophistication with its black-colored exterior. The device supported a Mini-SIM, providing users with cellular connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi capabilities.

Display

Equipped with a 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD display, the HP TouchPad 4G offered a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels. With a 4:3 aspect ratio and a density of approximately 132 pixels per inch, the screen provided vibrant and clear visuals, making it suitable for media consumption, web browsing, and other multimedia activities.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the HP TouchPad 4G was powered by a Qualcomm APQ8060 Snapdragon S3 chipset, paired with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. This combination promised balanced performance for multitasking and handling various applications with ease. The device ran on HP's proprietary webOS 3.0, offering a unique user experience tailored to optimize the tablet's functionalities.

Memory and Storage

In terms of memory and storage, the HP TouchPad 4G offered 1GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage. However, it lacked a card slot, preventing users from expanding storage capacity. This limitation was a consideration for users with significant data storage needs.

Camera

The device included a single 1.3 MP main camera, which, while modest in comparison to other devices, was suitable for basic photography needs. The absence of a secondary camera was a noticeable omission, reflecting the primary focus of the device on other functionalities rather than high-end photography.

Sound and Multimedia

The HP TouchPad 4G came equipped with stereo speakers, providing users with a good audio experience, and it included a 3.5mm audio jack. These features ensured compatibility with various audio accessories and allowed users to enjoy their favorite multimedia content with ease.

Connectivity

The device supported various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band capability, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS and A-GPS positioning, and microUSB 2.0 for data transfer. Notably, the device lacked FM radio, which was a common feature in many contemporary devices.

Sensors and Features

Integrating an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, the HP TouchPad 4G was equipped to handle a variety of applications that relied on these sensors for enhanced functionality, such as navigation and gaming.

Battery Life

Powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 6300 mAh battery, the HP TouchPad 4G promised ample usage time. It offered up to 300 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, ensuring that users could rely on the device for extended periods without frequent charging.

Market Position and Cancellation

The HP TouchPad 4G was designed to compete with other leading tablets of its time. However, despite its innovative features and promise of performance, the device was ultimately cancelled. Its brief existence highlights the challenges and competitive pressures within the tech industry, impacting the device's potential proliferation in the market.

Legacy and Impact

Although the HP TouchPad 4G was short-lived, its unique use of HP webOS and its emphasis on connectivity and integration left a lasting impression on many technology enthusiasts. The tablet remains a subject of interest among collectors and technology historians, representing an era of experimentation and rapid technological advancement.

Conclusion

The HP TouchPad 4G, despite its cancellation, stood as a testament to HP’s efforts to carve a niche in the competitive tablet market. With its sophisticated design, strong connectivity features, and unique webOS platform, it remains a notable entry in the landscape of 21st-century tablets, remembered for its potential and the challenges it faced in a rapidly evolving industry.