249 replies to this topic

[zenter]

The huge HP/Palm announcement just finished up. A couple overall takeaways...

• Ecosystem is the new black - the webOS ecosystem looks robust and highly-integrated
• webOS presented the first solid cloud sync and now it has the best wireless sync tech (tap-to-share is amazing) I've seen in mobile
• Attacking three market segments: "feature" phones (Veer), smartphones (Pre3), and tablets (TouchPad)
• Veer is tiny
• Pre3 is the best execution of Pre yet
• TouchPad is the second serious-looking competitor to iPad (after Xoom)
• HP planning to bring webOS to computers, already bringing it to printers and other devices.
• webOS looks like it can compete with Android and iOS both in terms of robustness and UI
• webOS is better at doing tablets than iOS, and at worst very competitive with Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
• Mobile hotspot is built-in out-of-the-box. Carriers will likely lock it behind expensive paywall.
• Palm is dead - no mention of that brand at the event

Okay... The TouchPad.

• Dual-core 1.2 GHz Snapdragon CPU
• Same 9.7 in screen as iPad
• Front-facing camera
• Other standard stuff (Bluetooth, wifi, 16/32GB, wifi-only and 3G/4G versions)
• Prettiest little webOS (3.0) you've ever seen
• webOS 3 truly built for tablets. Perhaps better-thought-out than Honeycomb.
• Variable-size on-screen keyboard
• Touchstone dock and physical keyboard add computer-like experience
• Bears repeating: tap-to-share is awesome. Only works between webOS devices though.
• If you have a webOS phone and TouchPad, you can do calls/texts/etc. from TouchPad via phone. Super simple end-user experience. Would be nice to see this enabled for all phone with the appropriate app.
• Coming in the summer. This gives Apple and other manufacturers time to catch up.

All in all, this was VERY promising. There will be some real OS competition in the mobile space, and that only means consumers benefit. HP is going whole-hog with webOS, and they're using it as the centerpiece of a device-neutral experience. The focus on user experience is clear, and if they don't have the supply-chain issues Palm did, then the summer release would not hinder them.

[donutogre]

I really hope Palm can get developers on board. I think WebOS is a brilliantly executed OS and has quite a bit more polish than Android...I think the average consumer would probably be more happy with WebOS but for the lack of compelling hardware, which is obviously a major problem. If the TouchPad gets some traction (not likely but you never know) it might help move people down to Palm phones...but they really need to offer more than 2 models to be competitive. Not a ton more, but a really high quality touchscreen-only phone would go a LONG way for them I think. I guess they disagree.

That said, the new Pre looks really nice. It addresses most of the deficiencies of the previous devices. Every year I get a little tired of iOS/iPhone and think about switching to Android or Palm, but Palm was absolutely not an option and the device that I wanted (HTC Desire) isn't available in the states...so I've stuck with iPhone and been very happy with the iPhone 4. But, I have to admit I find the Pre3 very compelling. I'd miss a lot of the apps, but honestly I don't use that much that isn't included in the phone, and I've got an iPad if I needed to get my iOS jones taken care of.

[Nick Kaufman]

did anyone buy this thing? The reviews seemed lukewarm to me, but I am interested because it's the only one I know other than the ipad which has a 4:3 form factor.

[donutogre]

If you're interested in it, it might behoove you to know that they're launching a version with AT&T's "4G" built-in and with a speed bump to the processor (1.5, up from 1.2 on the shipping models).

That said, yeah the reviews haven't been kind, but it sounds like they're aggressively going to be launching software updates with one coming by the end of the month that should help the slowness etc.

The big issue I see is the robustness of the app catalog, but if people don't buy them no one will develop apps...

I really want to like what HP/WebOS is doing, but they can't seem to pull off a fully-baked launch unfortunately.

[zenter]

did anyone buy this thing? The reviews seemed lukewarm to me, but I am interested because it's the only one I know other than the ipad which has a 4:3 form factor.

Reviews are lukewarm because, despite hardware promise, webOS, ecosystem, and supply-chain don't appear to be, as donutogre mentions, fully-baked. Worse still is HP's abysmal marketing strategy, making it have less mindshare than things like like the Galaxy Tab. I'd wait. Given how Bberry is already trying to recover from failures in the Playbook (for very similar reasons), this should be treated as a toy until it gains some traction.

One thing to note is that the rumors say webOS components will eventually be rolled into HP TouchSmart computers (imagine tap-to-share with an all-in-one or laptop) and their printers (imagine easy printing through tap-to-share). So the platform has promise in existing HP hardware. It's the new hardware where things are less clear.

[PBDWake]

So...

With the news that HP's now getting out of the market, my father's pretty pissed about owning a TouchPad. He (rightfully, imo) believes app development for webOS is just going to cease. So, SoSHers, does anyone know if its possible to load Android on to a TouchPad?

[Jnai]

The price is now $85 from the HP store, apparently.

http://slickdeals.ne...d.php?t=3220862

And, forums indicate no androidability, but, you can install Ubuntu. Directions here:
http://forums.precen...tml#post3053193

So, there's not too much to be worried about in regards to apps if every linux app under the sun can be run.

Edited by Jnai, 19 August 2011 - 08:40 PM.

[jayhoz]

Online rumors have Best Buy purchasing 270,000 units and only selling 24,000. Ouch!

Ha! As I was typing this there was a Touchpad commercial on touting its $399 price tag.

[derekson]

It is tempting at $99, but I think i'd rather put the money toward 20% of an iPad.

[sox311]

At $99 a TouchPad is an absolut steal...

I have an iPad and almost want to get one. I am Going to get one for my dad, 74 years old interested in getting an iPad but doesn't want to spend the money.

This is a no brainer to me. I'm worried about not getting one though, I heard about the $99 price from a friend at HP early this morning before it was on the web anywhere, and thought thye were the only ones able to get them at that price, now that its all over, I hope to be able to get one.

It is pretty much a black friday deal in August right now. Who wouldn't want to get one of these for a web surfing tool if they didn't want to pony up the cash for an iPad?

[Foulkey Reese]

At $99 a TouchPad is an absolut steal...

I have an iPad and almost want to get one. I am Going to get one for my dad, 74 years old interested in getting an iPad but doesn't want to spend the money.

This is a no brainer to me. I'm worried about not getting one though, I heard about the $99 price from a friend at HP early this morning before it was on the web anywhere, and thought thye were the only ones able to get them at that price, now that its all over, I hope to be able to get one.

It is pretty much a black friday deal in August right now. Who wouldn't want to get one of these for a web surfing tool if they didn't want to pony up the cash for an iPad?

Man I'm pretty tempted to do this even though it won't run Android.

[Nick Kaufman]

I am very interested. I might even get two and ship one to my mom.

I mean if you just want it for browsing, book reading and music, it's a steal. A steal!

[sox311]

Try WebOS, you'll like it...

I like it ten times more than Android.

The Palm phones that have ran it have sucked, hardward = suck, software = awesome...

[PBDWake]

Shit, I'm gonna get one under the assumption that at some point someone will figure out how to put android on it

[PBDWake]

Well, good luck trying to find these anywhere. The only place I've found for these are either at your local walmart, and you hope that they price match the online, or at Microcenter. WIth Microcenter, they've pulled them off the main website, but you can get them with the following direct link (the price will update in the cart). Just be warned that some people are saying MC may not fulfill all the orders and will wind up refunding you

http://www.microcent...duct_id=0366316

[Yaz4Ever]

My mom wanted an iPad like the one my wife has. I talked her into getting a Touchpad instead. This was less than two weeks ago. Fuck! I'm going to talk her into trying to return in to OfficeDepot now. She really likes it, but she paid the "discounted" $399 when they did their $100 instant savings thing that weekend.

[god loves the sox]

Hmmm.

Edited by god loves the sox, 26 August 2011 - 06:08 AM.

[Nick Kaufman]

My mom wanted an iPad like the one my wife has. I talked her into getting a Touchpad instead. This was less than two weeks ago. Fuck! I'm going to talk her into trying to return in to OfficeDepot now. She really likes it, but she paid the "discounted" $399 when they did their $100 instant savings thing that weekend.

I bet they will be able to give her the new price.

I was wondering. Can you use GPS on that thing? I know it's wifi, but is there a workaround or something?

[PBDWake]

I would not do it...HP is dumping them and abandoning tablets, phones, and probably selling off their PC business.

That's true enough, but it'll support Android within a few weeks, I'd bet.

Finally got a deal on one. Landed a 32 gig for $149 off Sam's Club's site.

[sox311]

Still haven't been able to get one.

Called HP TeleSales, they are out, she couldn't get me off the phone fast enough. Said check back...

Went to Office Depot, they opened at 9am, had a line of ten people, only had three in stock.

Office Max all out.

A local Walmart had them last night and dropped the price... I am kicking my self for not going to get one instead of searching online...

Still looking...

[PBDWake]

Best bet appears to be the HP Small/Med Business website. They still have stock listed as available, but at this point, it's a crapshoot to who their servers let connect. The servers are crashing for most people as they try and go to checkout, but eventually some people are getting through.

Also, Yaz, where did your mom get it? I'm seeing a report from engadget that HP will refund the difference if you bought it through their website.

[Yaz4Ever]

FWIW, Mom took her HP Touchpad back to Office Depot (13 days after purchase). They gave her absolutely NO trouble. Said they had 71 calls today alone. Not only refunded her, but did so in less than 5 minutes from walking into the store. She's on her way to the Apple Store, I think.

[CoRP]

Best bet appears to be the HP Small/Med Business website. They still have stock listed as available, but at this point, it's a crapshoot to who their servers let connect. The servers are crashing for most people as they try and go to checkout, but eventually some people are getting through.

Also, Yaz, where did your mom get it? I'm seeing a report from engadget that HP will refund the difference if you bought it through their website.

Thanks for the heads up. Just ordered one. $20 shipping and $8 in tax...but all good, I think. Site crashed 5 times while I was ordering.

[sox311]

Thanks for the heads up. Just ordered one. $20 shipping and $8 in tax...but all good, I think. Site crashed 5 times while I was ordering.

Only five times? I have had it crash about a hundred times.... Using worthless IE, and can't use anything else because I'm at work.

[JohnnyK]

Still listed at regular prices here in Europe...

[saintnick912]

Site seems pretty hosed, any other sources for this?

[Caspir]

Ebay: $119 + $6.58 Shipping Link sold out.

I wish Amazon would update the price since I have a $75 credit, and would love to come out of pocket $30 bucks on this thing.

Edited by Caspir, 20 August 2011 - 06:11 PM.

[Nick Kaufman]

I think Amazon will drag their feet upgrading their price as that pricepoint seriously undermines their major offering which is kindle. Nevertheless, I think that since people will complain and HP is already reaching agreements with other retailers, Amazon will lower the price one way or another.

[Caspir]

Yea, I don't see how they avoid it. I'd gladly buy one directly from HP, but their site is a mess, and I can't get to the checkout. Still trying after about forty five minutes. All the big retailers appear to be sold out.

Edit

@BrynaAtHP
The #hptouchpad is sold out temporarily. We R working on a site where you can sign up & be notified when #HP will have more. PLS RT.

@BrynaAtHP
Yes all #Touchpads sold out temporarily At least through the weekend. Website coming where u can sign up for alert. PLR RT.

http://slickdeals.ne...62#edit41815736

Edited by Caspir, 20 August 2011 - 06:37 PM.

[Pesky Pole]

Hurry...

Best Buy is live

[Caspir]

Wow, you're the man. Just got mine for 115.23 total after tax/shipping. I have no need for this thing, but at $100 bucks I say fuck it, buy now and pray for Android.

[saintnick912]

That slickdeals thread saved me, got 2x32GB from HP Small Business with just a couple of timeouts along the way.

[timlinin8th]

Hurry...

Best Buy is live

not anymore

[B H Kim]

Amazon had the 16 GB model available for $99 as a lightning deal for about 10 minutes this morning, so I bought one. I'm not sure why, since I barely use my iPad, but I may just let me kids use this one. Does anyone know if there's a decent word processor/text editor that works on WebOS?

[Foulkey Reese]

Live at Amazon.com. Just got one.

GO GO GO

http://www.amazon.co...=A33Y0YQUZ2NYD5

[BostonFan23]

Snagged one. My brother told me he'd give me $30 (plus cost) to get him one, so I made $30. Do I owe you commission?

[Caspir]

The buzz this firesale has created is amazing. I just grabbed a second machine off Foulkey's Amazon link to give to my mom as an intro to tablets. (She's getting her first smartphone in a a month, so this is all futuristic to her) Doesn't do HP much good since they are selling them at a $400 discount, but everyone wants one now. I didn't get an email (which I normally do) from Amazon confirming the order, but I printed out a summary, and it says it will ship tomorrow or Tuesday, and arrive by the 30th, so hopefully it goes through.

Edited by Caspir, 21 August 2011 - 06:30 PM.

[Foulkey Reese]

This is why I'm excited.

Project started to port Android to the $99 HP TouchPad

http://www.androidce...-99-hp-touchpad

Do I owe you commission?

Yes.

Edited by Foulkey Reese, 21 August 2011 - 06:32 PM.

[Caspir]

Snagged one. My brother told me he'd give me $30 (plus cost) to get him one, so I made $30. Do I owe you commission?

Ditto. Do you think the 16 GB will be good enough? I don't own a tablet so I have no idea if it's worth the extra $50, and given that it's WiFi only, I could see myself loading it up with music and movies for car rides.

Edited by Caspir, 21 August 2011 - 06:33 PM.

[Foulkey Reese]

I plan on using this like I did my Nook Color. Email, Facebook, Twitter, Sosh, ect. I'm not worried about storing music and movies. But $50 more for double the storage isn't bad.

I got the 16GB.

[Caspir]

Be careful. I just went back and added a 32gb (wanted to make sure I had the thing bought before canceling the 16 gb) and both disappeared from my pending orders. There must be a limit of one per person no matter the size. Just went back and ordered the 32 gb, so they got me to drop $50 as I pounded away at the keyboard, hoping I didn't fuck everything up.

I plan on using this like I did my Nook Color. Email, Facebook, Twitter, Sosh, ect. I'm not worried about storing music and movies. But $50 more for double the storage isn't bad.

I got the 16GB.

Yea, I doubt I'll ever need more than 16 since I'll use it the same way as you plan to, but now I'm too scared to cancel and reorder yet again. I've tested the internet shopping gods too much already today. Got the confirmation email this time too.

Edited by Caspir, 21 August 2011 - 06:43 PM.

[BostonFan23]

The Android talk is what got me excited, too. That would open it up a little bit.

[Dollar]

Damn... I had it in my Amazon shopping cart, then had to walk away from my computer for about a half-hour. Came back later and it was sold out. Oh well, I didn't really need it. It would have been cool, though.

[Caspir]

I'm still skeptical about OnSale (despite their solid rep) until I get the email that it's shipped from Amazon, but I'm looking at cases and accessories. Once the Touchstone charger comes down a few bucks I'm jumping on it. Looks really cool.

[Foulkey Reese]

I got it from onSale and got an email immediately.

Delivery estimate: Aug. 25, 2011 - Aug. 30, 2011
1 "FB454UT Smartbuy TouchPad QUALCOMM Snapdragon APQ8060 1.2 GHz 802.11 a/b/g/n Wireless 9.7" IPS TFT 1GB RAM 16GB"
$99.99
In Stock
Sold by: onSale

Edited by Foulkey Reese, 21 August 2011 - 09:35 PM.

[Caspir]

Yea, I've gotten that email as well, but a few people over at Slick Deals said they got cancellation emails later on. One posted a pic of his screen with the email. He ordered three, and I thought there was a limit of 1 or 2 p/person, so that could explain it, but I'm still a bit edgy. I guess I still can't believe this thing is going for 100/150.

[PBDWake]

Yea, I've gotten that email as well, but a few people over at Slick Deals said they got cancellation emails later on. One posted a pic of his screen with the email. He ordered three, and I thought there was a limit of 1 or 2 p/person, so that could explain it, but I'm still a bit edgy. I guess I still can't believe this thing is going for 100/150.

You're telling me. I'm not gonna believe either of the ones I have are mine until I get the shipping details, hopefully on Monday. I got a 16 from Microcenter that I expected would be cancelled, but it's been well over 40-something hours without a cancellation email, and a 36 from Sam's Club.

[sox311]

I got one from the Amazon onSale link earlier as well.

I am going to call Office Depot tomorrow, the manager seemed to think they may get some in tomorrow.

[BillMuellerFanClub]

in case anyone is still looking locally, not a single best buy in greater new england has any, nor will they be getting any. I guess I don't understand the desire for one, its biggest drawback is the hardware, not the software - which everyone is excited about replacing with android. webOS is fantastic, but it was designed and tested on an iPad 2, running A9 cortex architecture and a dual core processor. the touchpad has a 1.2 ghz snapdragon single core. unless you're planning on keeping this device in the bathroom for web browsing, you'd be better off putting that hundred bucks into a better tablet. or a laptop. or anything else. just my .02.

[Dollar]

For anyone still interested, Barnes and Noble has them for $101.95.