HP Touchpads have arrived.... now what?

[Carina]

My kids touchpads have arrived, they are in the closet tucked away for xmas. But I was hoping to have them ready to turn on and play with Xmas morning.

I do not have a smart phone, nor does anyone in my family.

I know nothing about Apps and things like that. Which means... I am afraid to even turn these things on.

I am pretty comfortable with computers - but these tablets ( and smart phones for that matter) scare me.

I don't even understand the difference between something that uses an app ( or really even understand what an app is) vs a regular computer with desktop short cuts and access to everything online.

Are there things I can be doing now ( dowloading free apps?) or setup things I can run now to make more immediate gratification on Xmas morning?

Do tablets need anti-virus protection?

Can they use these just like mini - laptops?

Sorry for all the dumb questions - hopefully I am not the only one out there wondering all this.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

What brand??

 

[thomas998]

First thing you need to do is open each one and make sure it works... Never assume any electronic device is going to work you would really be upset if you wait until Xmas and find out that one of them doesn't work and there is no way to return it... and you will need to set them up to communicate with your wi fi if you want them to be able to access any apps... so first thing is to set them up with your network...

 

[Halbleib1]

Also be aware you only have 90 days full warranty. So if you wait till christmas you won't have much time left. We had issues getting our wifi setup and almost had to ship back because they thought it was a problem with the os. Turns out it doesn't like the security with some routers. Switched routers and works great. Also mine just did an update today which took 15 mins to do.

I would think about giving it as an early gift so they can test it out while fully warranted.

Also in order to access anything you need wifi as this is the first thing it makes you do. Can not accept terms and conditions without wifi. Also be aware you can not hook these up to a 64 bit computer only 32 bit is accepted. 64 bit can not load the driver.

There currently is not an antivirus for webos. They say it is not needed as of yet.

This one is very similar to a mini laptop but you have no drives and some sites will not load proper because it is not windows based. Also hulu no longer works as they do not support webos. Netflix will not run either. There are patches for some of this but it is very risky as it can render the whole thing useless. Not recommended and not covered by warranty.

 

[mcorbo]

Second thing, since HP started selling these off, there have been updates to the WebOs operating system. You should update these, since they will make a difference in how the TP works.

Each Touchpad will need a webos account set up in order to function. It should lead you through this when you turn it on. Both can use the same account, that way they can share purchased apps. Set it up on the first one, then use the same info to activate the other one.

Everything is accessed through the icon on the bottom right that looks like an arrow. Once you have wireless set up, you can go into Settings (touch the arrow, then hit settings at the top) and System Updates. The update will take about 20-30 minutes.

They are pretty much a mini laptop. Apps are program that you can download from the HP App Store. Some are free, some you need to pay a small charge for. The App Store is located in the Downloads section.

There's a lot of info for new touchpad owners here:

http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touchpad/

Be sure to look at the Get Started sticky!

 

[southern_redhead]

Think of an app like a desktop icon. You know how you have an Explorer or Firefox (or whatever) icon that takes you to the internet? You may also have other things like Quicken, Word, etc... set up as icons. Well, an app on the screen is similar - when they tap the Angry Birds app, it will open ABs on their screen. Or Fruit Ninja, or whatever apps they have.

There is more to it (of course) but, basically, don't be afraid of apps. I would agree with charging them and checking them out to make sure they work and can be set up to use your wifi.

 

[Halbleib1]

Second thing, since HP started selling these off, there have been updates to the WebOs operating system. You should update these, since they will make a difference in how the TP works.

Each Touchpad will need a webos account set up in order to function. It should lead you through this when you turn it on. Both can use the same account, that way they can share purchased apps. Set it up on the first one, then use the same info to activate the other one.

Everything is accessed through the icon on the bottom right that looks like an arrow. Once you have wireless set up, you can go into Settings (touch the arrow, then hit settings at the top) and System Updates. The update will take about 20-30 minutes.

They are pretty much a mini laptop. Apps are program that you can download from the HP App Store. Some are free, some you need to pay a small charge for. The App Store is located in the Downloads section.

There's a lot of info for new touchpad owners here:

http://forums.precentral.net/hp-touchpad/

Be sure to look at the Get Started sticky!

Mine came updated but as I said there was one today which will need done but it auto prompts u.