$99 HP TouchPad Sale: What Works, What Doesn't in Android-Based CyanogenMod 7.1
CyanogenMod's new Android-based operating system for HP TouchPad was released on Oct. 10 as an alpha version. CyanogenMod 7.1 provides an alternative to the WebOS and makes the TouchPad more likely to be able to compete with its hard-to-beat tablet rivals, like Apple's iPad 2.
But the prototype version is not yet perfect, and, as the CyanogenMod team admitted on its blog, the OS still features more than a few bugs.
Certain features, however, work well and make it possible to use the new device in all its Android glory, for those lucky enough to lay hands on both TouchPad and the prototype operating system.
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PC Pro, a British tech publication, found the operating system "mostly stable" and the hardware support "pretty solid." The publication liked the multitouch screen, accelerometers and Bluetooth, which work well, it siad. Android apps work well on TouchPad as well.
However, the publication complained about GPU acceleration (animations and scrolling can be "very slightly jerky"). Graphics-heavy games and apps might cause some problems as well.
The writers found some blame in the breaking-up Wi-Fi connection and lack of a GPA, as well as troule wit h waking the tablet from its sleep mode.
PC Pro noticed that CyanogenMod Android build includes a few features not normally found on Android devices, such as improved gesture support and an incognito browsing mode.
CyanogenMod 7.1 Blog, the official blog ran by the CyanogenMod team admits the presence of bugs in the prototype system. But they also point to things that do work, like GPU acceleration, 1080p video playback, Wifi (with caveats), Bluetooth, Touchstone dock support and Audio.
Some of the most common problems a user might experience are, according to the blog: higher than normal battery drain, only partially-working camera and the need to change the wifi sleep policy to “never sleep” (otherwise problems with waking the tablet up will occur, like the PC Pro reviewers noticed). The blog also mentions some app compatibility issues.
Liliputing.com, another tech publication, points out that CyanogenMod now has working WiFi, partially working audio, and working accelerometer. However, the developers are progressing quickly, the publication acknowledged, suggesting that a fully functional Android system should be available soon.
