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wynand32 <- you sir have posted the most clearheaded response thus far.
My experience: WinMo 6.x for 1.5 years, WebOS - Pre for three weeks, WebOS - Touchpad for 24hrs, Android - phones and tablets for 1.2 years, iOS - owned both iPads, Win7phone - in-store demo
My take: The WebOS disciples are a little bit delusional (but that's what makes them so fun!). Almost everything I hear them say is unique to WebOS is not unique. Synergy, multitasking, task management, etc is all VERY functional on Android. The only thing I think WebOS has on Android is a more elegant way to bounce between apps. But even this advantage is gone - now that Android Honeycomb lets you do the same thing with less touches/gestures.
It all comes down to functionality - or lack thereof. I can't edit documents on the Touchpad unless I use the browser based google docs. I can stream my music collection in from Amazon or my other cloud storage sources, I can't access ANY of the google apps (other than through the browser), I can't use my nook app, no native ebook reader, no rear camera, no good camera apps, missing all the top-tier partnerships/apps/value/ports. Cards are not as efficient for getting information as Widgets.
It is also a poorly optimized OS. My 1.2 year old Android phone loads every webpage faster than the TouchPad (I tested for some time today)... and this is post optimization of the TouchPad!
To add insult to injury - I was recently testing the HTC Sensation (Android) which runs on the exact same silicone as the Touchpad... and it destroyed my current Android phone in speed... and like I said above, my current phone destroys the TouchPad in speed... that should not be happening - that is just a poorly coded OS.
WebOS and the 'cards' is a great idea for visual organization of running applications - but it does not really let me 'use' two cards at the same time. Synergy is great. Preware is fun/necessary. In 24 hours I have installed updates, preware, patches, uploaded music and media, synced accounts...but friends, this platform is VERY limited. It is making me miss the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that I returned to save money!
Speaking of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 - that tablet is sleek, and lightweight. The TouchPad is not either of these things. It feels and works like a 2009 device. It is a great idea without all the pieces. It is a great idea that has been screwed by poor marketing and poor management. It is now a platform that is easily 2 years behind the big dogs. It needs to be bought by someone who will start innovating with it again... because there are some good ideas there.
In the end I am VERY happy to have a great tablet for such a great price!!!!! But as a consumer product it does not compete with the best of Android or iOS. It is a simple, elegant, and easy to use 'window to the web' and that is good enough for me until the Holidays bring the next round of tablet innovation. At that point, I will give the TouchPad to my mom and never look back.
- Thanks! I hope I have not insulted anyone - just calling it like I see it. Happy to be here and using the Touchpad.
p.s. The best part of the web is Google apps... Google apps are the best apps on Android and iOS. It is a big hole in the WebOS armor to not have Google involved. I also miss the customization of Android. The launchers, themes, diversity of apps, skins, tweaks, and widgets allow for a totally individualized experience - more so than any other platform.- also, the apps are all free on Android... I am not used to paying for so many apps!
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