It’s a tablet kind of world, and HP isn’t about to be left in the dust. For some time now, HP has been working on a tablet that can rival Google and Apple. Many rumors about the HP Touchpad have been circulating. Some wondered when the Touchpad would arrive. Others wondered if the Touchpad would ever arrive. Now, many wonder how the Touchpad will compare to its Goliath-sized competitors.

If you’re in the market for a tablet, you now have three appealing options. You can select an Apple, Google, or HP tablet. Why are these the best options? HP has put a lot of work and thought into the Touchpad. As a result, this pad can play with the big boys. Heck, it may even chase the big boys straight out of the park.

What’s Not to Like

Since most reviews begin with the positive aspects of any electronic device, we have decided to begin the HP Touchpad review in exactly the opposite manner. The design of the HP Touchpad is something that most people will not like. If you’ve picked up any other competing tablet, you will have noticed a thin casing, smooth exterior, and all-around portability.

The Touchpad is different. But different isn’t always a good thing. HP decided to make the Touchpad durable, which means that this tablet is thick. Now, keep in mind that HP has long been known for creating durable products. Presumably, the company is attempting to keep current customers who respect the strength of HP products. Aside from the fact that the Touchpad is thick, it also has a slick back, which can become too slippery after awhile.

Things HP Has Done Right

Instead of relying on Google’s popular Android, the HP Touchpad takes advantage of Palm’s innovative WebOS. WebOS has been gaining praise across the board for its dependability and uniqueness. In fact, many have claimed that WebOS is far superior to Android. Only time will tell if this statement is submersed in truth.

WebOS allows the Touchpad to boast flash-enabled browsing. The Touchpad is also highly compatible with any email or calendar program, which is the one thing that many Apple and Google consumers complain about. All of these things HP has done right. If you can get past the badly designed exterior, the inside of the Touchpad is sure to blow you away.

What the Touchpad Includes

First, let’s begin with price. HP will market the Touchpad for $499. This price easily compares to what Apple and Google are offering consumers, and that’s just the way that HP wants it. After all, those who will buy the Touchpad aren’t settling for less, so why price it that way? Next, let’s talk guts.

The Touchpad comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-CPU APQ8060 1.2GHz processor. In addition, you’ll find a rear facing camera and a 1.3 megapixel camera in the front of the tablet. App-wise, HP has a lot of catching up to do. There are a few hundred apps to select from at the time of this writing, but give it some time. Within the near future, HP is sure to catch up with Google. Apple, however, is a different story.