MWC 2011 Live: HP TouchPad, Pre 3 & Veer Hands-On

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The HP Veer, the HP Pre 3 and the HP TouchPad, in order from the smallest to the biggest webOS device, have been launched officially ahead of MWC at a special event, which we have covered thoroughly. But the devices made it across the ocean and arrived safely at the MWC where we inspected them earlier today.

The HP Booth was packed with people interested in webOS and not that many devices were available on display. Chances are that we’re still looking at prototype units which HP didn’t really want to expose right away, but the HP staff was more than friendly and ready to showcase us the three new products.

The Veer is right now my favorite small smartphone. Because that’s just what it is. It feels very comfortable in hand as it’s extra light although it packs a punch under that hood. The Veer will probably be an entry-level webOS device, but it would be exactly the kind of handset I’d be willing to use for calls alone. And when you see it handle apps and video games, and use that accelerometer to steer the car, well you get even more convinced that’s a handset to consider.

The Pre 3 is the next in line. It’s got a bigger screen and a monster 1.4GHz processor. The slide-out keyboard is bigger too and handles a lot better, so those of you stuck with BlackBerry Torch units will certainly love this new design. Both the Pre 3 and the Veer remind us of the Pre 2 but HP has really taken everything to the next level.

As for the TouchPad, we rather had an eyes-on experience with it but from what we’ve seen it’s a great webOS device. It runs a more than sound OS which seems to handle everything you’d throw at it. We saw multitask and play video, but we’d definitely love unsupervised hands-on experience with the device since it has the potential of becoming one of the most important players in the tablet business this year.

There were just two tablets at HP’s booth and they appeared to be guarded by their keepers. However, things are looking very promising and we can’t wait to see them in stores. Prices have not been announced yet, as for clear launch dates, those aren’t out yet either. What we can tell you though is that HP reps said these babies are coming in other non-U.S. markets too since this HP is basically everywhere. Nice change of webOS attitude there, exactly what Palm needed.

Anyone up for a new webOS handset?

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