Exactly how fast the app ecosystem will ramp up is a significant unanswered question. At this week's event, HP trotted out Time Inc. in support for its platform--but just last week, a Time rep stood at a modest station in Google's HQ, showing off an impressive Sports Illustrated app on Android 3.0.

Has HP done enough to compete with Apple, Android, and RIM? Perhaps. A lot remains unknown about the TouchPad: Battery life (anticipated to be "all day") and price are the big outstanding issues for now, outside of the question of who's developing WebOS apps. As for the hardware, the TouchPad's specs seem good but not mind-blowing, especially given that the tablet is weighing in at 1.6 pounds--heavier than the current first-generation iPad.

Where HP impresses is in its WebOS software. The interactivity within the OS, not to mention real-time cloud syncing among devices, is a real boon for a connected device like the TouchPad. The more I see of the coming , the more convinced I am that the battle for dominance in the burgeoning tablet market will be fierce. And the battle won't be just about sleek hardware. Yes, in the early days, the physical design of these plastic slabs--er, tablets--will play a role. But potentially more important will be the aesthetics and fluidity of both the operating system and the apps.