The HP TouchPad and Lenovo ideapad represent distinct approaches to mobile computing. The TouchPad, powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon S3, aimed for a streamlined, mobile-first experience. The ideapad, utilizing an Intel Atom processor, targeted a more traditional laptop-like functionality in a smaller form factor. This comparison dissects their core hardware to determine which device delivers the best overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother user interface, the HP TouchPad’s Snapdragon S3 offers a noticeable advantage. While the Lenovo ideapad’s quad-core Atom provides theoretical multi-tasking benefits, the Snapdragon’s architecture and integration translate to a more fluid experience in typical tablet use cases.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | - | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, February. Released 2011, July | - |
| Status | Discontinued | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 240 x 190 x 13.7 mm (9.45 x 7.48 x 0.54 in) | 215 x 130 x 9.3 mm (8.46 x 5.12 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 740 g (1.63 lb) | 360 g (12.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 768 x 1024 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~132 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) |
| Size | 9.7 inches, 291.4 cm2 (~63.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~66.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LED-backlit LCD, | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Scorpion | Quad-core |
| Chipset | Qualcomm APQ8060 Snapdragon S3 | Intel Atom |
| GPU | Adreno 220 | - |
| OS | HP webOS 3.0 | Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 1.3 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | No | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | - | No |
| Positioning | No | To be confirmed |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | HTML, Adobe Flash | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Accelerometer |
| | Touchstone technology
SNS applications
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264 player
Organizer
Document viewer/editor
Predictive text input | MP3/MP4/H.264 player
Document viewer
Photo editor |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 300 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 9 h | - |
| Type | Non-removable Li-Ion 6300 mAh battery | Li-Ion battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black/silver |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 130 EUR |
HP TouchPad
- More responsive user interface due to Snapdragon’s architecture.
- Better power efficiency leading to longer battery life.
- Integrated SoC design for improved system performance.
- Dual-core processor may struggle with extremely demanding multi-tasking.
- Limited upgradeability.
Lenovo ideapad
- Quad-core processor offers more raw processing power.
- Potentially better suited for running multiple applications simultaneously.
- May offer more storage options.
- Less power efficient, resulting in shorter battery life.
- Atom processor’s architecture is less efficient than Snapdragon’s.
- Potentially slower responsiveness in everyday tasks.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are unavailable for the Lenovo ideapad. The HP TouchPad’s display quality is dependent on its panel technology, which is not specified in the provided data. However, the Snapdragon S3’s integrated graphics suggest a focus on efficient rendering for a mobile display. The ideapad, lacking display details, is difficult to assess, but the Atom processor’s graphics capabilities were generally less powerful than the Snapdragon’s, potentially impacting visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not provided for either device. Given the era, both devices likely featured basic cameras suitable for video calls and casual snapshots. However, the Snapdragon S3’s image signal processor (ISP) would have offered more advanced image processing capabilities compared to the Atom’s limited graphics processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better image quality from the TouchPad.
Performance
The core difference lies in the CPU architecture. The HP TouchPad’s dual-core 1.2 GHz Qualcomm APQ8060 Snapdragon S3 utilizes ARM’s Scorpion cores, designed for power efficiency and responsiveness. Conversely, the Lenovo ideapad’s quad-core Intel Atom processor prioritizes multi-threaded performance. While the Atom has more cores, the Snapdragon’s architecture is more modern and efficient. The Snapdragon S3’s integrated GPU is also likely to outperform the Atom’s integrated graphics, leading to smoother performance in graphically intensive tasks. The Snapdragon’s System-on-Chip (SoC) design integrates more components, potentially reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging wattage are not specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon S3’s power efficiency gives the HP TouchPad a significant advantage in battery life. The Atom processor, while offering more processing power, typically consumes more energy, leading to shorter runtimes. The Snapdragon’s optimized power management features would contribute to longer usage times between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the HP TouchPad if you need a device focused on media consumption, web browsing, and light productivity tasks, and value a responsive, integrated experience. Its Snapdragon processor excels at these scenarios. Buy the Lenovo ideapad if you require a more versatile device capable of handling heavier workloads, such as running multiple applications simultaneously or performing more complex tasks, and are willing to trade some responsiveness for raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lenovo ideapad be able to run more demanding applications than the HP TouchPad?
The Lenovo ideapad’s quad-core Intel Atom processor theoretically has more processing power, making it better suited for running multiple applications simultaneously or handling more complex tasks. However, the Snapdragon S3’s architecture is more efficient, and the ideapad’s Atom processor may struggle with responsiveness in everyday use.
❓ Is the HP TouchPad a better choice for media consumption?
Yes, the HP TouchPad is likely a better choice for media consumption. The Snapdragon S3’s integrated GPU and efficient power management contribute to smoother video playback and longer battery life, making it ideal for watching movies, browsing the web, and listening to music.
❓ How does the Snapdragon S3’s architecture impact the user experience compared to the Intel Atom?
The Snapdragon S3’s ARM-based architecture is designed for power efficiency and responsiveness. This results in a smoother, more fluid user interface, faster app launch times, and better overall system performance. The Intel Atom, while offering more cores, is less efficient and may exhibit lag or slowdowns in certain scenarios.
