These 3 massive tablets could look a similar, however they need some necessary hardware and software variations.
To look at them, there is not a lot of distinction between the HP TouchPad announced Wednesday, Motorola’s Xoom (arriving later this month), and also the Apple iPad. however if you look beyond the roughly 10-inch touchscreens, you will find some vital variations.
In physical size and weight, the TouchPad is sort of similar to the iPad; its screen size (9.7 inches) and determination (1024 by seven68 pixels) match the iPad’s 
specs, too. The Motorola Xoom contains a slightly larger screen (10.1 inches) and determination (1280 by 800 pixels), creating it slightly larger, though simply as serious. Together, the 3 pills represent the highest finish of recent tablet computers. See how they compare at a look by clicking on the chart at the aspect.
The TouchPad runs on a speedy dual-core Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm. The Xoom is additionally dual-core, with an Nvidia Tegra a pair of chip. solely the iPad runs on a single-core (Apple-customized) A4 processor. The iPad additionally has quantity} amount of RAM (256MB), whereas the TouchPad and Xoom run on four times additional memory (1GB). the quicker processors ought to facilitate the tablets open and run apps faster, whereas additional RAM aids in multitasking (both enhancements take a toll on battery life, however).
Although the TouchPad can are available 16GB and 32GB versions, the Xoom can are available only one 32GB version. The iPad additionally contains a 64GB version. solely the Xoom offers expandable storage via an SD Card slot.
Initially the TouchPad can support solely Wi-Fi connections, with a 3G version to come back later. Motorola is taking the other approach with the Xoom, which is able to initially launch solely during a 3G version, with a Wi-Fi-only version to follow. The iPad comes in each Wi-Fi and 3G models. Motorola says the Xoom can work with Verizon’s network, whereas the iPad works on AT&T’s network out of the box.
The TouchPad has solely a front-facing camera for video calling. The Xoom can have 2 cameras (one on the rear and one on the front), and also the iPad has none. The iPad additionally lacks stereo speakers and a gyroscope.
Other perks from the iPad competitors: The TouchPad will charge wirelessly with a separate accent, and also the Xoom will output HD video.
But the most important differentiator between the tablets are their OSs.
HP’s TouchPadThe HP TouchPad are the primary pill running WebOS, the operating system that HP acquired in its purchase of Palm last year. The TouchPad can use a similar card-stack metaphor for organizing apps found on Palm smartphones. That interface appearance even additional at home on the larger screen of a pill. straight away we’ve heard few details regarding changes to the OS for the pill, and reviewers got no hands-on time with it.
Android 3.0 (“Honeycomb”) on the Motorola Xoom is additionally new. The OS, specifically designed for tablets, brings many new interface components previously unseen on Android smartphones (for additional, see an in-depth tour of Honeycomb).
Lastly, iOS on the iPad (due for an upgrade soon) is acquainted to anyone who has used an iPhone or iPod bit.
Because of its large head begin, the iPad has the foremost apps offered for it (over sixty,000 at this writing). Presumably, solely alittle choice of programs are offered for the TouchPad and Xoom at their respective launches. Of course, each can doubtless be able to run apps designed for WebOS or Android smartphones, however expertise with the iPad has shown that running smartphone apps on a pill is mostly unsatisfying.
Motorola XoomPerhaps the foremost necessary unanswered question is what quantity these new tablets can price. you’ll get an iPad for as very little as $499. Early rumors are that the Xoom could begin at $799 (ouch!), and HP did not provide any info regarding value at its Wednesday event.
Finally, let’s not forget that the iPad may be a year recent, and it’s due for a refresh any time currently. this implies that by the time the TouchPad and Xoom arrive on the market, they’re going to have to be compelled to fight not solely the recent iPad (which could stay o
n sale at a good lower price) however additionally a freshly revamped iPad a pair of.
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