Note that it can also function as an e-reader, and is cheaper than a Kindle (or any other e-reader, really), and can still do far more. I'll probably be using it for developing purposes, in the long run.
Note that it can also function as an e-reader, and is cheaper than a Kindle (or any other e-reader, really), and can still do far more. I'll probably be using it for developing purposes, in the long run.
That is true, it is so insanely cheap that it beats every other reader. Also, it has one of those IPS screens you guys seem to hate. Maybe I can get it to be a quality reader for comics, mostly scanslations.
Also, it has one of those IPS screens you guys seem to hate. Maybe I can get it to be a quality reader for comics, mostly scanslations.
I don't hate them, I just don't want to fork over the 200 to 400 dollars to buy two of them over the price of normal LCD's I have :-p I also thought about comic reading :-p
3) Even if you have a smartphone and a laptop, you have a ton of money. You want to be able to do some casual computing from the couch or bed while lying on your back. You could use your laptop or phone, but the tablet is more comfortable than the laptop and has a bigger screen than the phone. You are willing to pay extra money for that slight bit of extra comfort.
This is the category I fell into, but I don't have a ton of money. Well, "ton of money" is no longer a barrier to entry for the TouchPad, so I'm getting one.
Looks like it's not that hard to get Ubuntu on these things. Check out this thread.
Looking at Scott's categories, I guess I'm sort of in #3. I would love to dick around on the internet from bed, but I think I'll save my cash, use my phone, and buy some kick ass light up juggling balls.
Edit, engadget seems to have captured my feelings exactly about why I'm not ready to buy a tablet in their current market state.
1) Textbooks. The kind of texts I get and read for molecular biology have huge pages of multicolored flowcharts, figures, and diagrams. My Kindle is perfectly useless for your average page of Stryer Biochemistry or Greys Anatomy. Hence, Touchpad. 2) Comics and RPG rulebooks. See point one. 3) Travel. My laptop is a God-of-Gods Ultraportable, and it's not in my best interests to carry it everywhere. Also, its heavier and was much more expensive than my Touchpad. The tablet makes sense from a travel perspective; its even got a mic and a camera so I can skype and podcast on my trips. 4) Straight chillin' with Netflix and shit. I don't have $800 for an iPad 2, but I sure as shit have $150 for a IPS tablet that the entire Android community is taking an interest in.
I don't know why you guys are in such a hurry to burn $100. :P
Here are my reasons:
1) Textbooks. The kind of texts I get and read for molecular biology have huge pages of multicolored flowcharts, figures, and diagrams. My Kindle is perfectly useless for your average page of Stryer Biochemistry or Greys Anatomy. Hence, Touchpad. 2) Comics and RPG rulebooks. See point one. 3) Travel. My laptop is a God-of-Gods Ultraportable, and it's not in my best interests to carry it everywhere. Also, its heavier and was much more expensive than my Touchpad. The tablet makes sense from a travel perspective; its even got a mic and a camera so I can skype and podcast on my trips. 4) Straight chillin' with Netflix and shit. I don't have $800 for an iPad 2, but I sure as shit have $150 for a IPS tablet that the entire Android community is taking an interest in.
I was ready to drop the money just for this. I don't have dual screens, so I wanted something I could run Netflix on in the background while I did other things. But no Silverlight, so.
Hulu Plus should work. I'm pretty sure that doesn't use silverlight.
4) Straight chillin' with Netflix and shit.
I was ready to drop the money just for this. I don't have dual screens, so I wanted something I could run Netflix on in the background while I did other things. But no Silverlight, so.
Even if Netflix or Hulu plus did work, they would be mad slow.
However, there is one possibility. Someone could create a Linux distro that had a sole purpose of playing such videos. Some really stripped down software that is nothing but a highly optimized video player. Think like turning the touchpad into a Roku that does nothing but play Hulu/Netflix. Then it could be fast.
It'll run fine once you install the Android hax and overclock the processor to its maximum speed if 1.7GHz with Preware. If the Galaxy tab can run Netflix just fine (to my knowledge, it can), the Touchpad definitely can. It also runs Flash natively, so Hulu should work. I'll finish the overclock hack after work tonight and report back with results.
I just removed the download speed throttle and did the overclock hack. Currently Huluing at full speed, with some sweet, sweet Raoh Gaiden. This thing definitely works as a media device.
While I am kinda watching this whole HP touchpad thing mostly serious, I am amused by how many people are attempting to get this thing and how it exposes some of the flaws in online stores inventory systems. HP really caused a headache for online retailers this week ^_^
Comments
Looks like it's not that hard to get Ubuntu on these things. Check out this thread.
Edit, engadget seems to have captured my feelings exactly about why I'm not ready to buy a tablet in their current market state.
1) Textbooks. The kind of texts I get and read for molecular biology have huge pages of multicolored flowcharts, figures, and diagrams. My Kindle is perfectly useless for your average page of Stryer Biochemistry or Greys Anatomy. Hence, Touchpad.
2) Comics and RPG rulebooks. See point one.
3) Travel. My laptop is a God-of-Gods Ultraportable, and it's not in my best interests to carry it everywhere. Also, its heavier and was much more expensive than my Touchpad. The tablet makes sense from a travel perspective; its even got a mic and a camera so I can skype and podcast on my trips.
4) Straight chillin' with Netflix and shit. I don't have $800 for an iPad 2, but I sure as shit have $150 for a IPS tablet that the entire Android community is taking an interest in.
However, there is one possibility. Someone could create a Linux distro that had a sole purpose of playing such videos. Some really stripped down software that is nothing but a highly optimized video player. Think like turning the touchpad into a Roku that does nothing but play Hulu/Netflix. Then it could be fast.