Though we know the HP TouchPad is expected in June we still don’t have an official release date. We only have leaks and pictures of internal docs from various retail stores to fall back on. Fortunately, tipsters keep the excitement alive by sending in tidbits at regular intervals.
Based on a previous leak, we found out that HP TouchPad would hit Walmart in June with the 32GB version costing $599. Keeping our hopes of an early summer release alive, the webOS tablet’s spec sheet has come up that shows all we expect to see on the tab’s form along with an interesting label below “Worldwide — Version 1.0 — June 12, 2011.” Does this mean we can expect a worldwide release of the tablet on June 12? The spec sheet was “current” so we’re hoping this isn’t some old paper. Everything points to a June release and we’d like to go with that.
Another tipster from OfficeMax has clicked and sent over a snapshot of the retail store’s Tablet Comparison Chart. Both the 16GB and 32GB versions of the 9.7 inch HP TouchPad are listed with Wi-Fi (check), 3G (check) and 4G (Whoa, really?). Could this be true or is this a mistake on OfficeMax’s part? If it has anything to do with AT&T calling its 3G network 4G, then it might be true enough. I think HP would have made some announcement if it was indeed planning to release a 4G enabled version of its flagship device into the market in July. The release date is set to July 17 but the OfficeMax tipster assures us that OfficeMax usually gets its stock of tablets later than others, so we’ll stick with June 12 as of now.
The second leak from Walmart confirms the price of the tab, $598 (this would be the 32GB Wi-Fi model). All as expected. Hopefully, there won’t be any last minute delays now. We’re looking forward to seeing how the HP TouchPad fares, especially after HP’s tall claims of the tab beating the Numero Uno of the tablet market – iPad 2.
[via preCentral]
