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HP Tablets – HP TouchPad | HP Slate

The evolution of HP Tablet computers continues with the recently announced HP TouchPad, closely following the fourth quarter 2010 introduction of the HP Slate tablet. In a change of direction from many of its tablet competitors the computer giant is utilizing different operating systems for their tablet PCs. The HP Slate runs the Windows Pro OS and the HP TouchPad runs Hewlett Packard’s own WebOS software. With smaller and more compact devices and gadgets changing the way people conduct business, communicate and digest media, HP seems focused on listening to the needs of the marketplace.

Apple’s phenomenal success in launching the iPad tablet in 2010 has caused a frenzy among computer and smartphone manufacturers and developers. In one way or another each of them is looking to take a bite out of the growing tablet computer PC pie. HP appears to be delivering a multi-pronged approach.

HP TouchPad Tablet

HP has announced that the TouchPad tablet will begin shipping in June 2011. According to initial forecasts, HP is slated to sell 4-5 million units of the TouchPad this year. While Apple dominated the sale of tablet PCs during the last quarter of 2010 with 7.5 million iPads sold, HP does not seem to be positioning the TouchPad tablet as a potential Apple iPad killer. Instead, HP claims that it will focus on satisfying its wide range of enterprise customers, who have different needs from consumers and may require more custom products.

Although the interface and sleek designs are similar to its Apple and Motorola counterparts, the biggest differentiator for the HP TouchPad tablet is its operating system. The HP TouchPad runs on HP’s own WebOS, while many competing tablet pcs run the Android OS and the iPad runs Apple’s iOS. HP originally acquired the WebOS with its purchase of Palm who had developed the WebOS for use on its line of smartphones. The HP TouchPad is the first non-smartphone device to use WebOS. For better or worse this will definitely set it apart from the numerous Android OS powered tablets PCs.

HP TouchPad offers plenty of storage as it will ship in both 16GB and 32GB versions. The TouchPad also offers a compact wireless keyboard for people who don’t want to do a lot of typing on the touchscreen. Other accessories include a flip-case that doubles as a stand (as does the Apple iPad case) and a Touchstone dock. The HP TouchPad tablet interface enables perform multiple tasks; when a user is finished using an application, he can immediately flick it off the screen rather than shutting the application down. Here are some of the specs on HP TouchPad tablet computer:

Operating System: Runs HP WebOS operating system.
Processor: Uses a speedy 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU.
Weight: Approximately 1.6 pounds.
Display: Sleek black 9.7 inch XGA capacitive, multitouch screen with 18-bit color and 1024×768 resolution.
Dimensions: Width: 9.45 inches, Height: 7.48 inches, Thickness: 0.54 inches
Storage: Either 16GB or 32GB internal storage
Connectors: Charger/microUSB connector with USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n; 3G version to follow.
Bluetooth® wireless technology 2.1 with stereo Bluetooth support
Sensors: Light sensor, accelerometer, compass (magnetometer), and gyroscope
Supports video calls similar to Apple’s FaceTime feature.
Adobe Flash is supported, unlike on the Apple iPad.

The HP TouchPad was launched alongside two other flagship HP products, the Veer and the Pre3 smartphones. Indications are that HP aims to promote integration among its devices, where actions performed on the HP TouchPad tablet PC will be applied on the phones all with the touch of the fingertips.

The TouchPad tablet shows a lot of promise, especially with the growing business market. HP likely believes that the sleek black 9.7 inch touch display gadget weighing in 1.6 pounds will attract business-savvy consumers potentially because of the WebOS. The company is moving to deliver tight integration among its phones, printers and eventually, through its line of PCs. This could provide potential benefits in the business world.

The Businessman’s Tablet: The HP Slate 500

The fourth quarter of 2010 saw Hewlett Packard launch its first tablet PC, the HP Slate, a specialized tablet running the Windows 7 operating system. The HP Slate is powered by an Intel Atom Z540 1.86GHz processor, runs Windows 7 Professional (32-bit) and sports an 8.9-inch multi-touch WSVGA screen with active pen input (yes, it has a digitizer and Evernote software). The HP Slate 500 ships with 2GB of RAM and a 64GB SSD. Running on the Windows 7 OS, the HP Slate also supports multi-tasking.

Slate 500 Specifications:

The Slate tablet weighs 1.5 pounds and ships with the pen, a folio, and charging dock that includes two USB 2.0 ports, microphone/headphone jack, and an HDMI connector. The tablet supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It has both a VGA webcam on the front and a 3MP camera on the back for stills and video. HP claims its Slate 500’s 2-cell (30WHr) polymer battery is good for up to five hours of life, and the docking station will charge the tablet PC whenever the device is locked in.

One of the best features of the HP Slate 500 is the chemically strengthened glass which makes it very effective for use in the field. With its durability, the HP Slate tablet is being offered to enterprise customers through HP’s standard channels, specifically to those involved in the healthcare, retail, insurance, hospitality and education industries.

The battle for tablet computer market dominance will continue as long as new players continuously innovate and add to their features, improve their designs and create new applications that will entice even the non-tech savvy users. For now, the HP Tablet products hold some interesting potential, with their sleek design, OS and applications. Clearly HP is out to grab its share of the tablet market. Time will tell how well they do in this rapidly changing arena.

Top 10 Computer Tips for 2010 from HTS Tech Tips

By Mike McEvoy

Our top computer tips from 2010 covered a wide range of the technology spectrum. We must have hit on a good mixture of interesting and useful mix of computer tips, technology news and online computer support information as the number of visitors to our site went up dramatically in 2010. To help kick off 2011 we begin with sampling of some of our best posts from 2010.

Top Computer Tips from 2010

New Laptop Computer Buying Tips
Buying a new laptop computer can be challenging. Technology continues to evolve rapidly and nobody really wants to end up with a regrettable purchase. This post provides some insights on navigating the numerous choices and options available and helps make the process a bit less overwhelming.
Roku HD-XR Player – Streaming HD Video to Your TV
The world of streaming online video is moving at a rapid pace and Roku is one of the top companies driving technology. The Roku HD-XR Player is a slick product for getting Internet streaming video to your TV. For a very reasonable cost it can deliver HD-quality movies, TV shows, and a number of other Internet services including Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand directly to your HDTV via a broadband Internet connection.
Large Computer Monitors – Why You Need One
In the world of bigger, faster, stronger, cheaper large computer monitors are rapidly becoming the standard for desktop computers, and even for some laptop workstations. Gone are the days when 15” monitors or even 17” monitors were the norm. With the significant drop in prices on larger LCD flat panel monitors over the last few years computer monitors measuring 20”, 22”, 24” and even 27” have become more common and less expensive.
Multiple Google Email Addresses – One Gmail Account
Google’s Gmail is a very slick, free email product with many different features and facets. One Gmail feature that you may not be aware of is that multiple Google email addresses can be created from one Gmail account. These bonus email addresses are easy to create and manage and can take several different forms.
Snagit Screen Capture Software – An Essential Tool
Snagit screen capture software is one of my favorite tools. If you spend much time in front of a computer then having feature rich, easy-to-use screen capture software to grab pieces of what is on your computer screen and save it as a .jpg graphic file is a must. Published by TechSmith, Snagit provides a combination of features, functionality and power that make it an exceptionally useful tool.
Powerline Computer Networking – Home Wifi Alternative
Powerline computer networking is an easy to install yet flexible method of adding a wired computer network to your home. Powerline networking is a bit of an unknown with most people being more familiar with standard wired Ethernet networks and wifi wireless networks. A powerline network uses a home’s internal power lines to transfer data using adapters that plug into standard wall outlets. A standard Ethernet data cable connects the adapter to the computer. Simple and rather elegant.
Laptop Computers – Netbook Computers – 8 Key Differences
The key differences between netbook computers and laptop computers can appear rather blurry if you are not well versed on portable computer technology. Which factors are most important to you? Is it size, weight, operating system, CPU, performance, cost, battery life, or all of the above? Here is some help.
Where Does Spam Come From?
Spam impacts everyone in one way or another. Spam can seems like a mosquito in that it provides no value, can potentially be dangerous and never seems to go away completely. Have you ever found yourself wondering where spam actually comes from? Where in the world does spam originate prior to clogging up your email Inbox or your computer? Read and find out.
Computer Data Backup – 8 Lesser Known Reasons to Backup Your Data
Computer data backup isn’t one of the most exciting topics to talk about. Data backup may not be one of the most interesting things to discuss at a party. It’s a topic that sounds more like talking about car insurance to many people. But if you have ever experienced a crashed hard disk drive or experienced a lost or stolen laptop you may be painfully aware of the results of not having a full, recent backup of your important data. Here is why you should care about your backup.
Tablet Computers – Tablets, Tablets Everywhere
Tablet computers, driven by the launch of the Apple iPad, became one of the hottest technology topics of 2010. In many ways reminiscent of how the netbook computer (remember those?) burst onto the scene in 2007-2008 the tablet computer came out of nowhere in 2010. The accelerated growth of tablet computers is projected to continue well into the future. Here are some insights on tablet computers.

So we start 2011 by touching on some of the high points of 2010. If you missed any of these useful computer tech tip posts the first time around here is a chance to catch up. Enjoy. If you have any suggestion for computer tip topics in 2011 please leave a comment or connect with us via the Contact Us form.

Tablet Computers – Tablets, Tablets Everywhere

By Mike McEvoy

Dawn of the Tablet Computers Era

Tablet computers, driven by the launch of the Apple iPad, became one of the hottest technology topics of 2010. In many ways reminiscent of how the netbook computer (remember those?) burst onto the scene in 2007-2008 the tablet computer came out of nowhere in 2010. The accelerated growth of tablet computers is projected to continue well into the future.

According to Gartner analysts “worldwide media tablet sales to end users are forecast to reach 19.5 million units in 2010.” Beyond the current calendar year, “Media tablets are poised for strong growth with worldwide end user sales projected to total 54.8 million units in 2011, up 181 percent from 2010 and surpass 208 million units in 2014.” Looks like a healthy growth curve for tablet computers to say the least.

Gartner defines the term “media tablets” as, “slate devices that support touch and run a lightweight OS such as iOS, Android, WebOS or Meego. Examples of media tablets are the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Cisco Cius.”

Tablet Computers – Manufacturers and Vendors

Companies who have who have already begun shipping tablet computers or will release them in the first half of 2011 include Apple, HP, Dell, Samsung, Acer, Viewsonic, Google, Blackberry (RIM), Toshiba, Asus, Cisco, NEC, Archos, Velocity Micro and a host of others. Competition will be fierce in a crowded field.

With varying sales projections and numerous companies rolling out their own versions of a media tablet computer there are quite a few questions about what 2011 will bring to the tablet computer world. For instance:

Can anyone challenge the huge lead Apple has built with the iPad?
Are tablet computer sales mainly being driven by early adopters or can tablets make the jump to mainstreet and broader acceptance?
How much will the price of tablet computing decrease in 2011 as competition heats up?
How broadly will businesses embrace tablet computers?
How rapidly will tablet technology, functionality and capabilities evolve?
Will your tablet computer replace your laptop? Your smartphone? Your television?
What impact will a Google tablet computer running the Android operating system have on the marketplace?
What’s the “right” size for a tablet computer? 5 inches? 7 inches? 9 inches? 10 inches?

There are plenty of questions that will play out over time in the tablet computer world. To present some insights into current tablet computers and technology I’ve put together a video compilation from YouTube showing a few of the current tablet computing competitors. Enjoy.

HP Slate 500 for Business

CNET Prizefight: Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad 3G

Hands-on – Samsung Galaxy Tab doing Android in tablet form

iPad review- Consumer Reports

AP Review: How the IPad Won Over a Skeptic

Samsung Galaxy Tab – All the Great Features

Cisco Cius Enterprise Tablet

Toshiba Folio 100 Review

Dell Streak

Much more to look forward to as the era of tablet PCs had just begun. As more of these tablet devices are finally released to the public I’ll be back with more information and insights.

Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack Savings

By Mike McEvoy

Microsoft originally launched Windows 7 in October 2009. At that time they offered a money-saving, special priced Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack for 3 PCs for $149. This special Windows 7 pricing only lasted for a few months and was then discontinued. Recently, Microsoft re-launched the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack (3-User) special offer. This special upgrade pack includes the licenses to upgrade up to three PCs running either Windows XP or Windows Vista to the Windows 7 Home Premium version.

If you are considering upgrading more than one laptop or desktop computer Windows 7 Family Upgrade pack is a bargain. The price of $149 is actually not much more than the cost of a single Windows 7 license. In fact when Microsoft discontinued the original Windows 7 Family Pack for 3 PCs there were reports of some resellers selling the product for significantly more than its $149 list price since three separate Windows 7 licenses cost more than $400.

The Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack upgrade product includes both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Home Premium on DVD. While Microsoft also offers a Windows 7 Pro version for larger business environments, the Home Premium version works great for home users and most small businesses. For people who have been contemplating upgrading 2 or more Windows XP or Windows Vista computers this special priced offer might make it more feasible.

For more information on Windows 7 be sure to check out a couple of our previous posts on Microsoft’s latest operating system:

Windows 7 Release Insights
This includes a range of detailed information about Windows 7 along with a number of links to additional articles on features, details and opinions of the operating system.

Windows 7 – Eight Reasons You Will Want It
From the post: “Windows 7 is here and there are plenty of new and useful aspects to Microsoft’s latest version of the Windows operating system family. While Windows 7 is not a revolutionary step, it is an impressive evolutionary step. It provides a significant number of reasons to upgrade your current Windows computer or, if your budget permits, to retire that five or six year old computer…”

Many people have several computers running throughout their house or small business. This Windows 7 Home Premium 3-license package is a great way to upgrade the operating system for a number of PCs for as little as $50 per PC.

Summertime Computer Maintenance – Cleaning Vents, Improving Airflow

By Mike McEvoy

Heat is not a friend to computers. A simple step in computer maintenance is cleaning the computer vents, improving airflow and reducing internal heat buildup. Clogged vents can raise the operating temperature inside your computer, increase the wear and tear on your computer’s components and shorten a system’s lifespan.

Computers have evolved a long way from the highly air conditioned, raised floor environments of mainframe and mini computers (remember those?), but good ventilation for a computer is still important. Warm summertime weather can make problems from poor ventilation and heat buildup more pronounced. It is not uncommon for computers to experience problems from excess heat buildup due to lack of proper ventilation and cleaning.

Vent-clogging dust and lint are not just an issue for desktop/tower/floor standing computers. Many laptops also have small vents. If you hear a fan go on in your laptop computer you can be sure that it’s pulling air in through one or more vents. Here is what you can do.

Cleaning Computer Vents

The best method for removing dust, lint and pet hair that can clog vents is with your vacuum cleaner. Use one of the attachments that are standard on most vacuum cleaners. The smaller the nozzle opening on the attachment, the better.

A couple steps before cleaning the computer vents are: make certain your computer is fully powered off; and unplug the power cord from the computer. Then move the vacuum cleaner nozzle slowly over the external vents and openings. If there are any sliding panels or doors be sure to open them and clean behind them.

Laptop Computer Cleaning

Laptop computers generally don’t have as many problems with items clogging the vents, but it does happen. This is especially true if the laptop is used mainly as a desktop replacement and does not get moved very often.

As with most other items on a laptop computer the vents are smaller and sometimes not as obvious. Most laptop vents are on the sides towards the back, on the very back of the computer or on the bottom of the computer.

The process for cleaning laptop vents is similar to a desktop or tower computer. You should have the computer turned off – not just in sleep or standby mode. Be sure to check the bottom of the computer for any vents and make sure they are vacuumed.

Periodic Computer Maintenance

Cleaning dust from ventilation openings on computers can help keep them running cool and prevent damage to the system and the internal components from heat. Be sure to periodic computer maintenance to keep your computer running its best. Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Also be sure to see another summertime computer tip: “After Vacation – Update Antivirus Software Before Checking Email”.