HTC recently announced the launch of its upcoming tablet computer, HTC Jetstream. The device will run on Android and will be carried by AT&T for its forthcoming 4G LTE network.

The Jetstream, also known as Puccini, will run on Android 3.1 or Honeycomb juice and will feature a 10.1-inch display with a screen resolution of 1280x768 pixels. The device will be powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and sport an 8 MP rear-facing camera with dual-LED flash. A 1.3 MP front-facing camera has also been provided for video chat.

One of the main issues with the HTC-made tablet is the price factor. The device has been priced at $699.99 with a two-year contract, and beats iPad 2's price point by a mile. An entry level iPad, in comparison, with Wi-Fi and 16GB internal memory is priced at $499. The most expensive iPad, however, with Wi-Fi + 3G and 64GB memory is available for $829.

The 9.7-inch Apple iPad 2’s specification, in comparison, includes an LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen. The varied internal memory storage of the device is of 16/32/64 GB and has 512 MB of RAM. The device has a primary 0.7 MP, 960 x 720 pixels camera with video capabilities of 720p at 30fps, and runs on iOS 4.

The only factor, as told earlier, that prevents the HTC-made device to compete with the iPad is the price. Recently, HP killed its TouchPad and lowered the price to $99 via a fire sale that saw mass response from buyers and retailers. Previously the HP-made tablet remained unsold on Best Buy. The Jetstream could face the same fate if the company decides to hang on to the $699 price tag.

If the price issue is solved then iPad could expect further head ache from yet another rival and its tablet market dominance could again be endangered. Apple’s upcoming iPad 3 would be the only card left to play to counter such challenges.

AT&T Htc Ipad AT&T