Skip to content

TechRepublic

  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
Resources
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • Newsletters
  • Resource Library
  • Forums
  • Sponsored
Go Premium
Popular Topics
  • Top Products
  • AI
  • Developer
  • Payroll
  • Security
  • Project Management
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Academy
  • Project Management
  • Innovation
  • Cheat Sheets
  • Big Data
  • Tech Jobs
View All Topics
Go Premium
Hardware

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

By Bill Detwiler June 29, 2011, 8:00 AM PDT Bill Detwiler on Twitter billdetwiler

Image
1
of 73

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad

HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad

HP TouchPad
Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front

ntThe HP TouchPad is available in two flavors–a 16GB model for $499.99 (US) and 32GB model for $599.99. The current versions only support Wi-Fi connectivity, but HP plans to launch 3G models later this summer.
nt
ntOur HP TouchPad test unit had the following hardware specifications:

n

    nt

  • nttProcessor: 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060
  • nt

  • nttStorage: 32GB SandDisk SDIN4E2-32G
  • nt

  • nttRAM: 1G3B Samsung K4P8G304EC-FGC1 LPDDR2
  • nt

  • nttCommunications: Atheros AR6003X WLAN IC
  • nt

  • nttDisplay: 9.7-inch multi-touch screen (1024×768 resolution)
  • nt

  • nttBattery: 3.7V 6000mAh 22.2Wh Li-Polymer battery
  • nt

  • nttPorts: MicroUSB, 3.5mm headset jack
  • nt

  • nttCamera: 1.3Mp webcam
  • nt

  • nttAudio: Built-in microphone and stereo speakers
  • n

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port and Center button

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port and Center button

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Power button, webcam, microphone, and headphone jack

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Power button, webcam, microphone, and headphone jack

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Speakers

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Speakers

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Volume control and SIM card placeholder

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Volume control and SIM card placeholder

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Popping off the front panel assembly

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Popping off the front panel assembly

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the front panel assembly

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the front panel assembly

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Display and digitizer cables

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Display and digitizer cables

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Inside the case

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Inside the case

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front panel assembly

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front panel assembly

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the display screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the display screws

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the display

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the display

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Display and digitizer panel

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Display and digitizer panel

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: LCD screen - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: LCD screen - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: LCD screen - Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: LCD screen - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front panel and digitizer

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Front panel and digitizer

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Case with internal hardware

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Case with internal hardware

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the 1.3MB webcam

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the 1.3MB webcam

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Webcam removed

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Webcam removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.3MP webcam - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.3MP webcam - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.3MP webcam - Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.3MP webcam - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the digitizer PCB screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the digitizer PCB screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Digitizer PCB - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Digitizer PCB - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Digitizer PCB back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Digitizer PCB back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor CY8CTMA395 touchscreen controller

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor CY8CTMA395 touchscreen controller

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor CY8CTMA375 TrueTouch controller

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor CY8CTMA375 TrueTouch controller

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor PCB logo

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Cypress Semiconductor PCB logo

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the microUSB PCB screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the microUSB PCB screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Detaching the copper foil from the microUSB PCB

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Detaching the copper foil from the microUSB PCB

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the microUSB port PCB

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the microUSB port PCB

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port PCB - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port PCB - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port PCB - Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: microUSB port PCB - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the vibration motor

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the vibration motor

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Vibration motor

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Vibration motor

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the SIM card slot screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the SIM card slot screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: SIM card slot removed

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: SIM card slot removed

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: SIM card slot

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: SIM card slot

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the main PCB screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the main PCB screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Disconnecting the antenna wires

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Disconnecting the antenna wires

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Disconnecting the main PCB ribbon cables

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Disconnecting the main PCB ribbon cables

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the battery screws

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the battery screws

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the battery and main PCB

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Removing the battery and main PCB

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB and battery - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB and battery - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Battery and Main PCB - Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Battery and Main PCB - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.7V 600mAh 22.2Wh battery - Front

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.7V 600mAh 22.2Wh battery - Front

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.7V 600mAh 22.2Wh battery - Back

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.7V 600mAh 22.2Wh battery - Back

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Case with attached components

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Case with attached components

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.5mm headset jack

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 3.5mm headset jack

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Microphone

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Microphone

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Power button

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Power button

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Ambient light sensor

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Ambient light sensor

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Volume control

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Volume control

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Wireless antenna

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Wireless antenna

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Right-side speaker

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Right-side speaker

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Left-side speaker

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Left-side speaker

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB - Top

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB - Top

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB - Bottom

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB - Bottom

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1.2 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 32GB SandDisk SDIN4E2-32G storage chip

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 32GB SandDisk SDIN4E2-32G storage chip

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1GB Samsung K4P8G304EC-FGC1 LPDDR2

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: 1GB Samsung K4P8G304EC-FGC1 LPDDR2

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Atheros AR6003X WLAN IC

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Atheros AR6003X WLAN IC

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Wolfson Micro WM8958E Audio Hub and CODEC

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Wolfson Micro WM8958E Audio Hub and CODEC

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: CSR 63B23 9A04U K046BX08

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: CSR 63B23 9A04U K046BX08

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Invensense 3-Axis MPU-3050 gyroscope

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Invensense 3-Axis MPU-3050 gyroscope

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Fairchild Semiconductor FDMC510P P-channel MOSFET

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Fairchild Semiconductor FDMC510P P-channel MOSFET

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Qualcomm PM8050 power managment IC

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Qualcomm PM8050 power managment IC

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Texas Instruments P99003B5A

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Texas Instruments P99003B5A

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Unknown chip

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Unknown chip

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Texas Instruments TPS 61187

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Texas Instruments TPS 61187

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB markings

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Main PCB markings

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

Cracking open the HP TouchPad

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Completely disassembled

Cracking Open the HP TouchPad: Completely disassembled

ntSo what are my observations about the HP TouchPad?

n

    nt

  1. nttIt’s much easier to disassemble than the Apple iPad 2, but not as easy as the Motorola XOOM.
  2. nt

  3. nttHP used standard Phillips screws inside the case and most of the internal components can be removed and replaced. Provided you can find replacement parts.
  4. nt

  5. nttThe display and digitizer are separate components. This lets you replace one without the other.
  6. n

n

ntBut along with these significant positives, there were also a few negatives.

n

    nt

  1. nttThe battery can be replaced, but you must remove the main PCB to do so.
  2. nt

  3. nttThe batterr is also attached to the case with adhesive.
  4. n

n

ntOverall, the HP TouchPad is a tablet that’s built more like a PC than an iPad. Which is good if you want to repair the device, but it also means that the components require a larger case.

n

ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Hardware
  • Account Information

    Share with Your Friends

    Cracking open the HP TouchPad

    Your email has been sent

Share: Cracking open the HP TouchPad
Image of Bill Detwiler
By Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is the Editor for Technical Content and Ecosystem at Celonis. He is the former Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and previous host of TechRepublic's Dynamic Developer podcast and Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show.
  • Account Information

    Contact Bill Detwiler

    Your message has been sent

  • |
  • See all of Bill's content

Daily Tech Insider

If you can only read one tech story a day, this is it.

TechRepublic TechRepublic
  • TechRepublic on Facebook
  • TechRepublic on X
  • TechRepublic on LinkedIn
  • TechRepublic on YouTube
  • TechRepublic on Pinterest
  • TechRepublic RSS
Services
  • About Us
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Site Help & Feedback
  • FAQ
  • Advertise
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • Careers
Explore
  • Downloads
  • TechRepublic Forums
  • Meet the Team
  • TechRepublic Academy
  • TechRepublic Premium
  • Resource Library
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Editorial Policy
  • Legal Terms
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All rights reserved.
CLOSE

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

Already registered? Sign In
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

* - indicates required fields

CLOSE

Sign in to TechRepublic

Not a member? Create an account
Use Facebook
Use Linkedin

Lost your password? Request a new password

CLOSE

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support.

Back to login
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

No thanks, continue without
1 Finish Profile
2 Newsletter Preferences
CLOSE

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

Newsletter Name
Subscribe
Daily Tech Insider
Daily Tech Insider AU
TechRepublic UK
TechRepublic News and Special Offers
TechRepublic News and Special Offers International
Executive Briefing
Innovation Insider
Project Management Insider
Microsoft Weekly
Cloud Insider
Data Insider
Developer Insider
TechRepublic Premium
Apple Weekly
Cybersecurity Insider
Google Weekly
Toggle All
No thanks, continue without

You're All Set

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

Back to Home Page
×