10 Reasons to Buy the HP TouchPad On July 1

1. Size MattersApple has proven that the size of the display is a key contributor to the success or failure of tablets. Devices with small displays, like the Dell Streak or the 7-inch Galaxy Tab haven’t performed well at retail. But the iPad and its 9.7-inch screen have. That’s because consumers want to enjoy entertainment content and surf the Web on tablets, and the bigger the display, the easier it is to do that. Luckily for HP customers, the TouchPad comes with a 9.7-inch screen.

2. The Price Is RightAccording to HP, it will be selling the TouchPad starting on July 1 for $499.99 and $599.99 for the 16GB and 32GB versions, respectively. Though it would have been nice to see them offered for less than the iPad, it was a smart move on HP’s part to sell them at the same price as comparable iPads. Apple’s tablet is the benchmark by which all other devices are judged, and to be more expensive than the iPad is an issue. HP realizes that.

3. The Entertainment Is CoveredThe importance of entertainment on tablets cannot be underestimated. Music, movies, and books must be readily available on a tablet or it will fail. HP has addressed that with help from its HP Movie Store and by providing access to books via Amazon’s Kindle Store. It might not be iTunes and iBooks, but it’s a solution that consumers should be happy with.

4. Smartphone IntegrationWhen the TouchPad launches on July 1, users who also have the HP Pre 3 will be able to simply tap those devices together and transfer content between them. That’s a major selling point for current WebOS users, and something that others might want to consider. Transferring content with such simplicity is a major step up over many other solutions in the wild.

5. It Knows the Value of AppsWith the launch of the TouchPad, owners will be able to download applications to the device. According to HP, it currently has “thousands” of applications available in its apps marketplace. And if the TouchPad catches on, many more will be available. Apps are extremely important to the future success of any tablet, and HP will deliver a marketplace on the TouchPad to capitalize on that.

6. An iPad-Like DesignThough some have criticized HP for delivering a design that looks awfully similar to the iPad, it was actually a smart move. Apple’s iPad is the most-desired tablet on store shelves right now. And any company that delivers something that’s too different from the iPad might turn customers away who want an iPad-like experience. By offering such a similar design, HP can capitalize on those who don’t want an iPad, but do want something as close to it as possible.

7. Multitasking Done Right?One of the biggest issues with iOS 4, the iPad 2’s current operating system, is its multitasking. Though it does allow users to switch applications, the process is clunky and quirky. HP claims it will address that in the TouchPad with WebOS, thanks to the operating system’s ability to stack related apps. It’ll also deliver easier ways for users to switch between apps.

8. Better NotificationsAs iOS users know all too well, Apple’s operating system does not handle notifications well, disrupting what the user is doing. Apple has addressed that in iOS 5, but until that operating system is made available, HP’s WebOS promises to deliver a better notifications system.

9. Flash SupportFor years now, Apple has said that it won’t bring Adobe’s Flash to its mobile Web browser, Safari. However, because of that, many Web sites don’t work when users boot up the application. Since most Web sites rely on Flash, that’s an issue. HP’s TouchPad on the other hand, supports Flash. That’s a major advantage that can’t be overlooked.

10. Android’s IssuesThough it’s easy to compare the TouchPad to Apple’s iPad, it’s important to remember that the device is also competing against Android-based tablets. And as the Motorola Xoom has proven, Android tablets aren’t necessarily the most desirable devices right now. Android 3.0 Honeycomb is rife with issues, and on paper, WebOS looks to be a better option for some customers. Android is fine, but WebOS might just trump it. And if that happens, the TouchPad will benefit.