HP TouchPad vs Apple iPad 2

Introduction:

Back in 2009 when the Palm Pre came roaring out of the gates hoping to find itself as a noteworthy competitor to Apple’s iPhone, there were some people adamant about seeing webOS succeeding in making itself an established mobile platform. As we all know by now, it didn’t quite end up that way seeing that Palm’s portfolio failed to capture the attention of consumers – while during the same span, the iPhone’s momentum seemed almost undisrupted. Well, we’re witnessing the same kind of showdown once again now that the HP TouchPad is on the scene sporting the rejuvenated webOS 3.0 experience. Starving to throw itself into the thick of battle, the iPad 2 has shown itself time after time as timeless strong competitor, but it’ll nonetheless be interesting to see how the two stack up against one another – thus giving bragging rights to one in the end.

Design:

When looking at the two head on, it’s almost difficult to tell them apart without meticulously looking at them closely since they share the same black bezel surrounding their displays. However, that’s where the similarities all end because the iPad 2 considerably employs a lot of polished elements to its design versus the TouchPad – even more when the two are priced evenly at $500. On one hand, we undeniably prefer the iPad 2’s impressively thin construction, premium choice materials, and solid feel. It’s not to say that the TouchPad isn’t good looking, but rather, it doesn’t have the refined qualities to make it more alluring between the two. In fact, not only does it sport a less desirable plastic rear cover, but it’s also surprisingly heavier and larger looking as well. At the same time, the iPad 2’s brushed aluminum rear casing enables it to look clean, whereas the TouchPad is a magnet for fingerprints.


Indeed, it’s rather difficult not to believe that the two tablets are identical twins especially when they feature identically sized 9.7” IPS displays with 1024 x 768 resolution, and 4:3 aspect ratio. Needless to say, they boast the same pixel density to provide plenty of decently looking details. Additionally, color production with the two is on the natural side without appearing to be overly saturated – and it definitely helps that colors retain their vibrancy thanks to their great viewing angles. However, the iPad 2’s display is noticeably brighter in output and convincingly makes the TouchPad’s screen dimmer in tone. Of course, we have better luck in viewing the display of the iPad 2 in outdoor settings with the sun present.

As opposed to simply offering one function, we like that the HP TouchPad’s physical home button actually doubles as the tablet’s LED light notification system, which is conveniently nice to see when it’s completely powered off. Regardless, the home buttons of both are sufficient in size and responsive when pressed.

Likewise, we find front-facing cameras on board with both to allow video chat using their respective services, but the TouchPad’s 1.3-megapixel camera is only reserved for that and nothing else! Meanwhile, the iPad 2’s VGA 0.3-megapixel camera can be used to shoot self-portraits and videos as well.

Equally, their volume rockers are spaciously sized and prominent to make out, but we find the addition of a vibrate switch with the iPad 2 very complementary since it easily allows us to mute it at an instant.

Positioned in the top right corner of both tablets, we actually prefer the slightly more prominently feeling power button of the iPad 2 – though, both exhibit acceptable clicky responses.

When it comes to audio, they naturally feature easy-to-access 3.5mm headset jacks, but the HP TouchPad actually packs two speakers that offer stereo support – while the iPad 2 only employs a single one.

Much more preferred than anything else, we’re relieved to find HP sticking with a microUSB port for data syncing and charging, whereas, you know that the iPad 2 relies on the proprietary 30-pin connector.

Granted that tablets aren’t the most opportune things to capture images with, it’s nevertheless nice to give owners the ability to shoot photos and videos, which is something you can do with the iPad 2’s less than 1-megapixel count camera.

Interface and Functionality:

Being on the cutting edge of technology, both tablets are undoubtedly modernized with their dual-core processors – it’s a 1GHz Apple A5 CPU with the iPad 2 and a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with the TouchPad.  Right off the bat, the iPad 2 shows off its more responsive performance and doesn’t really stutter to a crawl at any point. Oppositely, the HP TouchPad works great when it’s actually being cooperative, but it doesn’t exude the same fluidity to match the iPad 2. Moreover, we experience some random bouts of slowdown, lock ups, choppiness, and crashes with the TouchPad’s webOS 3.0 platform. Overall, there’s no kidding that these two are powerful enough to handle just about anything handed to them, but the iPad 2 takes the edge in terms of general responsiveness.

Visually, the two opposing platforms aren’t built from scratch, but rather, they employ the same look and feel of their smartphone counterparts – while still being optimized for the tablet medium. To tell you the truth, we absolutely love the straightforwardness and simplicity offered by iOS and webOS – but even more when they have very low learning curves. However, webOS 3.0 incorporates more gestures with its operation and keeps things flowing with its engaging experience.

Going for so long without multi-tasking, it’s definitely refreshing nowadays to find a form of it available with Apple’s iOS – and even though it works with the iPad 2, it’s not the best implementation we’ve seen. Knowing that, we have to applaud HP for its take on the ubiquitous task of presenting a sensual experience with multi-tasking on the TouchPad. In fact, we like its more dynamic and engaging approach, while seamlessly works with other elements like its cards system and stacking feature. Ultimately, multi-tasking in webOS 3.0 isn’t an astoundingly new experience, but when you compare it to iOS, it’s by far higher up in the totem pole.


In addition, the notifications system with webOS 3.0 is fashionably preferred since it’s unobtrusive and accessible via the status bar. In comparison, iOS has by far been notoriously resistant to change seeing that it utilizes the same exact notifications system that’s been available with the platform since day one. Thankfully, this will be fixed with iOS 5.

Speedy typers will undoubtedly love the instantaneous response with the iPad 2’s on-screen keyboard, but we do like that the webOS 3.0 keyboard features the convenience of a dedicated row for numbers. Besides that, our speed can sometimes be limited with the TouchPad mainly because it’s marred by random delays that can be rather frustrating at times. And even though both on-screen keyboards present suitable layouts to make it comfortable to type, we prefer the more consistent and stable experience of the iPad 2 by far.


On the surface, their respective email apps might appear to be the same in terms of layout, but the iPad 2 actually features a tiered format, while the TouchPad relies on a three-panel interface. Nonetheless, they’re both functional at their core in viewing and composing emails, but the TouchPad’s useful organization with its rearrangeable presentation is indeed preferred. However, it’s rather strange to find the TouchPad missing out on features like threaded conversations and the ability to multi-select messages, which are increasingly becoming standard amongst email clients with most devices.



Placing our attention on their organizer apps, there isn’t anything drastically different between the two. Interestingly though, we like how Synergy plays a crucial role in bringing together some of the TouchPad’s core apps – like having access to social networking profile information within the address book. With the calendars however, there’s no denying the amount of unused space found with their layouts, but the iPad 2 manages to separate itself a little bit with its organized looking day view.


Internet and Connectivity:

As we mentioned already, the iPad 2 radiates a more responsive performance with its general operation, but the same can be said about its web browsing experience as well. Complex web pages load up faster on the iPad 2, though, the slower time put up by the TouchPad can be related to it loading up Adobe Flash content in the background. Regardless, we’re still seeing more fluid looking navigational control on the iPad 2 – such as kinetic scrolling and pinch gestures. Obviously, the TouchPad doesn’t have the same level of responsiveness, but it’s nothing that bad at all because it’s still more than acceptable by any means.  Additionally, the TouchPad has the prestigious feature of offering Adobe Flash support to give us that desktop-like experience. 

Currently, the HP TouchPad is only available in Wi-Fi form, but we expect to see various cellular enabled versions in the near future, which is something that’s currently offered with the iPad 2. Connected to the same Wi-Fi network, we didn’t notice any major differences with signal strength on both tablets. Moreover, the same can be said about their Bluetooth connections as well. Surprisingly, the iPad 2 seems to get a fix on our GPS location much faster than the TouchPad seeing that it takes 10 seconds to get an exact fix – with the TouchPad taking roughly 20 seconds.

Camera and Multimedia:

Since the HP TouchPad obviously lacks a rear camera, we'll have to gauge the quality of their front-facing sensors by using their respective video chatting clients. Specifically, we used FaceTime on the iPad 2 and Skype video chat on the TouchPad. Using a Wi-Fi connection, we’re impressed by the quality of both to tell you the truth – albeit, there’s a subtle amount of choppiness with the TouchPad. At the same time, the TouchPad has better detail over the slightly more pixelized video with the iPad 2. We also find audio quality to be impressive on both seeing that they’re in sync to the video and clearly audible.

On the surface, there isn’t much flashiness evident with either music players, but they’re more than ideal with their functional layout. In fact, they boast a similar two-panel layout and quick access to their on-screen controls when browsing through our library. Jumping to another app while a song is playing, we can still control the music players by using their respective mini players, which are undoubtedly accessible at any time. In terms of audio quality, we’re baffled at first to find the iPad 2’s single speaker producing the same loud volume tones coming out of the TouchPad’s two speakers.  Luckily, their tones are very pleasing to the ear without sounding too sharp or irritating.

Displaying a good amount of detail and natural looking color tones while watching the same movie trailer, the only difference in performance between the two is the superiorly brighter appearance of the iPad 2’s display over the TouchPad's one. Offering stereo support with its two speakers, the audio experience when watching movies on the TouchPad is seemingly better due to its slightly more surround feel.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot to expect with their Gallery apps because they lack any sort of deep sharing and editing functions – though, we’re still presented with the usual set of navigational controls when browsing through images. Again, we find a similar layout with their respective photo viewing gallery apps, but there’s a recognizable amount of erratic choppiness with the TouchPad’s operation when browsing through photos.



Although both tablets are available in both 16GB and 32GB capacities, it’s only the iPad 2 that manages to shake things up by offering a massive 64GB variant.

It's a pretty decent treat that we can achieve video-out with the iPad 2 by using an optional digital AV adapter. Not only are we able to stream high-definition videos to our television set, but we’re also given a mirrored experience  that allows us to experience the iPad 2 on the big screen. Sad to say the least, we don’t get this kind of functionality with the HP TouchPad.

Software:

HP obviously decided a YouTube client isn't really needed right now, seeing that the TouchPad can handle the main YouTube site. However, we think it still would’ve been nice to see a dedicated app on board; like the one featured on the iPad 2. Optimized to fit the iPad 2’s tablet experience, its YouTube app is especially satisfying with its tailored layout and laundry list of features.


At first, one would think that Google Maps on the iPad 2 would deliver a more refined experience than Bing Maps on the TouchPad, but in reality, they’re actually quite the same with their basic set of features. Naturally, they provide things like driving, walking, and transit directions, but there are no voice guided turn-by-turn directions with either. Regardless of that, they’re sufficient enough in giving us quick instructions in getting around from point A to point B.

Considering that the original iPad was released more than a year ago, developers are undoubtedly cranking out a ton of tablet-optimized apps for the iPad 2. However, that doesn’t mean that the TouchPad is out of the race because we’re enamored by the healthy amount of quality apps available with webOS 3.0 from the onset – and they’re well thought-out for a new platform.

Performance:

Battery life is superlatively awesome with both mainly because we’re able to easily get through a solid one day’s worth of normal usage that consists mostly of web browsing and emailing – with some charge left over by the end of the night.

Conclusion:

Now that we’ve compared all the various aspects of both tablets, we ultimately have to go back to the drawing board and look at what’s offered at face value between the two – mainly because they flaunt the same $500 pricing. If this were a fashion show, there’s no denying the fact that the iPad 2 would win with its impressive industrial design, premium choice of materials, and its razor thin profile. Moreover, it offers the functionality of being able to shoot photos and videos as well – even if it’s not something that’s highly prized by some people.

That’s not to say that the HP TouchPad is completely out of the race just yet, well, it’s able to impress us with its far better implementation of multi-tasking and notifications with webOS 3.0 – albeit, some performance issues can sometimes hinder the experience. Taking things in stride, we’re also glad to see that app developers are on board with the platform right from the beginning.

Circling back around to our point, the iPad 2 is every bit worth the $500 it’s priced at – whereas the TouchPad seems to be overpriced with its offerings. We’re not saying that the iPad 2 hits the high marks in all categories, but it’s far more refined in almost every way imaginable to make that $500 price point more than suitable.

HP TouchPad vs Apple iPad 2: