As leaked last week, HP has announced the HP TouchPad 4G on the AT&T mobile broadband network. The device will have a faster 1.5GHz processor, 32GB of storage, and integrated GPS. HP says that pricing and availability details will come from AT&T, but it did note that the device will be available in time for back to school through HP commercial channels, AT&T Business Services, and major retailers.
Since it will be connected to AT&T's network, you'll be able to get Internet access in more than just Wi-Fi hotspots. HP TouchPad 4G users will also be able to take advantage of unlimited access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with qualifying data plans.
Most importantly though, the 4G in the name means exactly what you think it does. The TouchPad 4G is an HSPA+ Category 14 device that supports download speed of up to 21Mbps, although the two companies want to warn you that connection speeds vary due to location, environment, network conditions, and other factors.
As we noted when this news first leaked, it's pretty ridiculous that HP is releasing a more powerful TouchPad so soon after the original (the rumor says next month). It's almost as if HP knew the reviews were going to be bad. Either way, it looks like HP webOS will be supported by AT&T, and not Sprint like the first version of webOS.
The original HP TouchPad is a 9.7-inch slate (1024 x 768 resolution), powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060 processor, 16GB or 32GB of built-in storage, 1GB of RAM, HP's Beats audio, a micro-USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, a front-mounted 1.3MP camera, as well as a light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, and GPS (3G model only). It measures 242 x 190 x 13.7mm and weighs around 740g. The device is running a WebOS 3.0 with true multitasking, Flash 10.1, a paneled e-mail application, a pop-up notification system like Growl, Skype support, wireless printing, calendar and e-mail integration via HP Synergy, as well as compatibility with Amazon's Kindle ebook store, Google Docs, QuickOffice, and more.
The HP TouchPad was released in the US on July 1, 2011. The device is available from US retailers, commercial resellers, and direct from HP with the option of either 16GB ($500.00) or 32GB ($600.00) of internal storage. Optional accessories (sold separately) for the HP TouchPad include the HP Touchstone Charging Dock ($80), the HP TouchPad Wireless Keyboard ($70), and the HP TouchPad Case ($50).
"TouchPad 4G is ideal for anyone who needs maximum flexibility for productivity on the go," David Gee, vice president of Marketing and Enterprise Solutions for HP webOS, said in a statement. "It's particularly well suited for users who rely on connectivity in the field - from large corporations to small businesses and self-employed mobile professionals."
"Consumers and small business customers are seeking cutting-edge mobile computing devices that offer easy access to the web and the ability to stay in touch with friends and clients on the go," David Haight, vice president of Business Development at AT&T, said in a statement. "The TouchPad 4G is a sharp, multifunctional device that delivers the perfect set of features. Pairing it with the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and most extensive Wi-Fi network gives TouchPad 4G users the best mobile broadband experience in the market."