HP TouchPad: the first month

Last Friday was the end of my first month with the HP TouchPad. I had hoped to do a end of first month post then, but I have been busy with some things both in and out of the office.

By missing last week, I do have the advantage of talking about both the first month with the tablet and my thoughts on what's happened with the TouchPad in the two last week--the OTA update and the recent price drop, including the $50 app catalog credit.

While we were in Bethlehem, PA recently, I was able to talk with some iPad and iPad 2 owners and compare the TouchPad to those tablets. And, honestly, the TouchPad compares well to the iPods.

The primary thing I am looking for in any device is how well I can fit the device into my personal workflow.

I think I summarized the current tablet situation in a message to a long-time friend:

• Apple fans are going to buy iPads because they are Apple. If someone can use the iPad to get their job done, then great. But I need more than what Apple offers to get my job done.
• I think it might be too late for Windows, unless they put out some serious integration that will probably get them in trouble somewhere. And this is a shame because I left Windows Mobile when I was still happy with it.
• I like Android, but I'm not sure I like feeling like I HAVE to root it to make it do what I want. I'm concerned about what the carriers are doing/going to do with it. I expect to see pressure to fragment Android.
• I think HP is going to mature very quickly, especially if WebOS ends up on other platforms beyond phones and slabs. I want to see what HP does in the next year.

The context for the first month, how to get things done using the TouchPad.

I still really want a native version of EverNote for WebOS 3. I am happy there is at least a suggestion that one is being developed.

I am also watching Google Reader clients. I'm currently using Tea Reader. It's nice, but I'm looking for more, mostly integration not only with Reader, but also EverNote, or at least my "share to" services.

Another app I'm looking for is a Ping.FM client. But at least the ping.fm website works well enough. Unlike Reader and EverNote's websites.

I will say that I'm surprised I'm asking for apps to use websites. With a 9.7" screen, one would think WebKit alone would be enough.

Hopefully, I can start writing about how it is writing code for the TouchPad soon. I just haven't gotten to the point where I'm ready to sit down and even run through the demo code yet. Maybe this weekend.