iPad 2 Rival: HP PalmPad webOS Tablet Leaked Before CES 2011?

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After the failed HP Slate, and there’s no way to convince anyone the Slate was a successful tablet, although we certainly wish it were, HP will launch the PalmPad, the first webOS tablet in the world. While the device is expected to arrive at CES 2011, we have more details for you today as this particular tablet has already been leaked.

FoxNews got the exclusive images of the webOS tablet, and by images we mean the schematic above, but it also got more details on the device, so let’s take a look at the rumored specs and features of the PalmPad, one of the upcoming iPad 2 rivals.

First off, we hear that the PalmPad will come in three different models, “with minor hardware differences distinguishing them.” A fourth version will be made specifically for university students, and won’t make it to the CES show. All models will be similar to the “never-released HP Slate” with the university model measuring in at 8.9-inch while the other three versions will apparently ship with iPad-like 9.7-inch panels. But here’s what these PalmPads will sport when it comes to specs and features:

• Sprint 4G WiMAX support
• HDMI and USB 3.0 connectivity
• 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera with LED flash
• 3-megapixel camera with LED flash
• Weight: 1.25lbs
• Amazon Kindle-like shape
• Thinner than the iPad
• “Multi-switch” like the Palm Pre

The university version of the PalmPad will come with various other specs “specifically requested by the institution” and they should be available to students in the Fall 2011 semester. The commercial versions of the PalmPad, the ones being displayed at CES 2011, are coming in March 2011, but there are no pricing details available for you at this time.

This first PalmPad leak shows us what HP has in mind for the tablet business and we can only hope the iPad 2 will get a tough webOS adversary in 2011. On the other hand we’re still lacking various details for this new upcoming HP PalmPad, not to mention the iPad 2 to make a proper comparison, so stick around for official tablet news.