HP PalmPad To Be An iPad Killer?

Yesterday, we reported about Motorola’s plan to challenge Apple iPad with its Android 3.0 tablet. It won’t be the only company going after Apple in the handheld tablet market. HP seems to be intent on finally introducing an iPad competitor of its own to the tablet world. HP and Microsoft were expected to release a shiny tablet a while ago. Those plans did not pan out.  HP’s PalmPad won’t run Microsoft Windows but it will show HP whether it can count on WebOS to put up a decent challenge against Android and iOS devices.

FoxNews was able to get its hands on the spec sheets for HP’s upcoming PalmPad devices. If these papers are real, HP will be releasing 3 tablet models at CES 2011 with another model making its debut in Q3 2011 (most likely targeting students). HP PalmPad will be offered with Sprint’s 4G wireless network. Here are some of the PalmPad features that we could gather from FoxNews’ report:

• more or less identical to Apple iPad first gen
• 9.7 inch screen (most likely)
• thinner design than iPad
• 2 cameras (3 MP rear-facing)
• HMDI & USB 3.0 ports
• 1.25 lbs in weight
• multi-switch capability

The fourth tablet is rumored to have a 8.9 inch screen and designed to fit the needs of students. On paper, PalmPad does seem like a decent alternative to iPad.

The problem with these so called iPad killers is that they are always going after what Apple has already introduced. With iPad 2 coming in April 2011, it is not clear how HP’s tablets will stay competitive. Apple could even bring smaller iPads to the fold to put more pressure on its rivals (we can’t confirm whether the below picture is authentic).

Will PalmPad be an iPad killer? Most likely not. In fact, it is tough to see it even stay competitive against HoneyComb Android tablets. HP is just too late to the market.

Your take: is PalmPad an iPad killer?