# HP TouchPad

> tablet computer by Hewlett-Packard

**Wikidata**: [Q499972](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q499972)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_TouchPad)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-touchpad

## Summary
The HP TouchPad is a tablet computer developed by Hewlett-Packard (HP) and released in 2011. It ran on the webOS operating system and was notable for its unique interface and multitasking features. The device was discontinued shortly after launch due to poor sales, marking a significant shift in HP's strategy in the mobile computing market.

## Key Facts
- **Operating System**: Ran on webOS, a Linux-based mobile operating system.
- **Developer**: Hewlett-Packard (HP), an American information technology company.
- **Discontinued**: August 18, 2011, after only two months on the market.
- **Dimensions**: 190 mm (width) × 240 mm (height) × 13.7 mm (thickness), weighing 740 grams.
- **Successor**: Followed by the HP Slate 7, an Android-based tablet.
- **Country**: Manufactured in the United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What operating system did the HP TouchPad use?
A: The HP TouchPad ran on webOS, a Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Palm and later acquired by HP.

### Q: Why was the HP TouchPad discontinued?
A: HP discontinued the TouchPad in August 2011 due to low sales and strategic shifts, exiting the tablet and smartphone markets.

### Q: What made the HP TouchPad unique?
A: It featured a card-based multitasking interface and seamless syncing with other webOS devices, distinguishing it from iOS and Android tablets at the time.

## Why It Matters
The HP TouchPad played a pivotal role in the evolution of mobile operating systems, showcasing the potential of webOS despite its short lifespan. Its discontinuation highlighted the challenges of competing with iOS and Android, leading HP to pivot away from consumer hardware. The device gained a cult following, particularly after a fire sale of remaining stock, and its legacy influenced open-source projects like Open webOS. The TouchPad remains a notable example of innovation in a crowded market and the risks of entering competitive tech spaces without established ecosystem support.

## Notable For
- **webOS Innovation**: Introduced a card-based multitasking system and intuitive gesture controls.
- **Fire Sale Phenomenon**: Sold out quickly after prices were slashed post-discontinuation, sparking enthusiast interest.
- **Open-Source Legacy**: webOS was later open-sourced, enabling community-driven projects and adaptations.
- **Design**: Featured a sleek form factor with a 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 1 GB of RAM.

## Body
### Development
The HP TouchPad was announced in February 2011 and released in June 2011 as part of HP's effort to compete in the tablet market. It was the first device to run webOS after HP acquired Palm in 2010. The tablet was positioned as a competitor to the iPad and Android devices but struggled to gain market traction.

### Specifications
- **Display**: 9.7-inch IPS LCD touchscreen.
- **Processor**: 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 dual-core processor.
- **Memory**: 1 GB RAM, with 16 GB or 32 GB storage options.
- **Connectivity**: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G.

### Discontinuation and Aftermath
On August 18, 2011, HP announced the discontinuation of the TouchPad, along with all webOS devices, citing poor sales and a desire to focus on enterprise software. A fire sale of remaining inventory at $99 led to a surge in purchases, creating a loyal user community.

### Legacy
The TouchPad's webOS was open-sourced in 2012, allowing developers to modify and port the operating system to other devices. This extended its lifespan through community projects, though HP never re-entered the consumer tablet market.

## Schema Markup
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{
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "HP TouchPad",
  "description": "Tablet computer by Hewlett-Packard",
  "url": "http://www.hp.com/united-states/webos/us/en/tablet/touchpad.html",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1519683",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_TouchPad"
  ],
  "additionalType": "tablet computer",
  "manufacturer": "Hewlett-Packard",
  "operatingSystem": "webOS",
  "discontinuedDate": "2011-08-18"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora