If you're thinking that 4G in this case means AT&T's forthcoming Long Term Evolution network, you'd be mistaken. The upcoming TouchPad will run on AT&T's HSPA+ 4G network. AT&T does not advertise the speeds it offers through its HSPA+ network. Instead, it says markets with "enhanced backhaul" have the best service available.
Adding LTE to this device would have been a much more compelling feature than HSPA+, but I suppose beggars can't be choosers. As it is, AT&T plans to launch only five LTE markets this summer, with perhaps another 10 markets following by the end of the year. With such a limited footprint at the start, it is no wonder that the first AT&T LTE devices will be a USB modem and a mobile hotspot.
Speaking of hotspots, the 4G TouchPad also will have unfettered access to AT&T's 20,000 Wi-Fi access points in case its HSPA+ network isn't available. That means free Wi-Fi in tons of airports, hotels, convention halls, and eateries where, I'm told, business folk like to congregate.
"Consumers and small business customers are seeking cutting-edge mobile computing devices that offer easy access to the Web and the ability to stay in touch with friends and clients on the go," David Haight , AT&T vice president of business development, said in a statement. "The TouchPad 4G is a sharp, multifunctional device that delivers the perfect set of features. Pairing it with the nation's fastest mobile broadband network and most extensive Wi-Fi network gives TouchPad 4G users the best mobile broadband experience in the market."
Other features of the HP TouchPad 4G remain mostly unaltered. It includes a 1.3 megapixel camera, native social networking support, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and GPS. It will run webOS 3.0. HP has done a few innovative things, such as allow all webOS devices to easily and seamlessly speak to one another and transfer content. Based on its Touchstone technology, webOS devices--such as the TouchPad and Pre 3--can sync and share things such as Web pages, media, documents, and so on.
As for the software, HP's new head of the webOS business group, Stephen DeWitt, said that webOS 3.0 is set to receive its first significant over-the-air update in about 10 days. The update will clear up a lot of the problems seen be early adopters since the device's July 1 launch. Specifics weren't shared.
No specific details on pricing nor availability were given for the HP TouchPad 4G, either. When it does go on sale, it will be sold through AT&T's business channels, HP's business channels, and major retail outlets.
