PC Magazine: HP Tablet Vs. iPad

PC Magazine has released an interesting article entitled, "Five Reasons to Pick an HP Tablet Over an iPad." The article is short on substance and obviously tilts against Apple. As such, it's worth a rebuttal. I have included key parts of each of the article's main points.

1. Web OS It may be HP's saving grace for its PalmPad, which can now compete head-to-head with Apple's iOS and Android systems.

Isn't WebOS the same operating system from a company (Palm) that nearly went bankrupt before HP jumped into save them? Sure, Palm produced amazing devices, but that was many years ago. With Apple's iOS 4 and Google's Android pretty much controlling the mobile market, HP might have a hard time selling WebOS as a suitable alternative.

2. Windows (Yes, Windows) Although the HP Slate looks clunkier than the iPad, it's also a full-bodied PC with USB ports, front and rear cameras, Adobe Flash capability, and memory card slots galore. It's definitely not just a gadget; it's meant for work. Isn't that what your employees are being paid for?

Good points here. The current iPad lacks USB ports and of course, it doesn't have a camera. Still, there are plenty of apps already available for the iPad that makes working on a Windows-based tablet nonessential. Pages, for example, makes creating Microsoft Word-compatible documents easy. And we know where Apple stands on Adobe Flash (and why, I would add).

3. The HP Reputation Apple's favorable reputation, at least lately, is based on its mobile devices, not desktops, but HP makes all kinds of reliable office hardware, from computers to printers to scanners.

The folks at PC Magazine apparently don't know that printing is available on an iPad, thanks to hundreds of apps that have been created for that purpose alone. Also, whether it be an iMac or Mac Pro, Apple is doing quite well on the desktop front as well.

4. The HP Business Relationship Buying from HP could be beneficial to business owners because the computer hardware company would likely give purchasing deals and discounts, and streamline purchase orders.

Apple not being "business-friendly"  is an often-used dig which isn't true. Plus, most companies buy from many technical companies, depending on their need. IT professionals would love to streamline ordering to just one vendor.  In reality this just doesn't happen.

5. Increased Competition While the HP offerings are new, they're worth reviewing and considering as one of the only alternatives to the iPad niche. Although most are happy with iPad functionality, the new WebOS platform will likely create a product that will meet most business needs.

While HP still lacks the thousands of applications available from Apple, it's likely the company will start creating an application market by its PalmPad launch in January, possibly with more of an emphasis on business clients. Although Apple's iPad has an amazing amount of buzz and cachet with consumers, HP's tablets may prove more functional for business users.

The overall point is sound: competition is great for everyone. As Apple's competitors start manufacturing serious alternatives to the iPad, consumers will naturally become the big winners. As options (such as a camera, for example) start becoming must-needed options on tablets, the folks at Cupertino will take note and adjust their lineup accordingly. However, it will take time for HP (and other companies) to implement app marketplaces that come anywhere close to what is offered now in the App Store. What do our readers think? Is HP's upcoming tablet going to become a worthy alternative to the iPad? Leave your comments below.

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