Palm is expected to reveal a brand new iPad competitor in January during the 2011 Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Vegas. The rumor mill is already spinning, with experts predicting Palm basing this tablet off of the HP slate released this past October.
FoxNews reports this tablet will be called the PalmPad, and will come in three different models once released. All models are expected to run HP’s WebOS operating system, with the primary differences being disk space. Their source also reports a fourth version may be in the works, specially tailored to university students showing “how versatile the machines can be.”
The PalmPad will run on Sprint’s 4G network, and will sport similar specs to Apple’s flagship iPad. Additional features include a mini HDMI port, a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera, as well as a 3 megapixel rear-facing camera; both cameras will utilize LED flashes.
Physical dimensions haven’t been finalized yet, however it is expected that the consumer version of the PalmPad will use a large screen similar to that of the 9.7 inch panel on the iPad. The university model is said to utilize a smaller 8.9 inch screen for easier storage and transport in book bags. It will be thinner than the iPad, with rounded edges similar to an Amazon Kindle.
The PalmPad will be made available in March of 2011, with Palm expecting students to begin using the university model by Fall of 2011.
Neowin will be Live at CES 2011 from Jan 6th to the 9th. Be sure to check the front page for on the floor coverage and in-depth press analysis.