HP TouchPad Setup Guide: Preware, Homebrew & Patches - WebOS
WebOS: A Unique Tablet Experience
WebOS is an operating system that, while not achieving the same velocity as iOS, often surpasses the experience offered by Android on tablet devices. Initial expectations were high for WebOS 3.0, with many anticipating its success in the mobile market.
However, the release of the TouchPad altered these perceptions. The user interface, unfortunately, doesn't deliver the fluid performance users have come to expect.
Performance Considerations
Application launches and list scrolling can occasionally exhibit a noticeable lack of smoothness. Users accustomed to the responsiveness of Apple’s iOS may find the WebOS experience somewhat lacking.
This discrepancy prompts the question of where the development process diverged from optimal performance.
The Power of the Homebrew Community
Fortunately, a dedicated homebrew community exists to enhance WebOS. Through custom modifications, it’s possible to significantly improve the TouchPad’s speed and overall functionality.
These community-driven patches can optimize performance, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience than the device offered in its original, factory-shipped state.
WebOS, despite its initial shortcomings, benefits greatly from the ingenuity and dedication of its user base.
Updating WebOS and Installing Java
Initially, it is recommended to ensure your HP TouchPad’s firmware is current. Updating to the newest version is a crucial first step. As of this writing, version 3.0.2 is the latest release, designed to address several performance and stability concerns.
To begin, access the app launcher on your TouchPad and proceed to Settings.
System Update Procedure
Within the settings menu, select System Updates, identified by a gift box icon. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the update process.
The duration of the update will vary based on your internet speed, typically taking around 15 minutes. During this time, the tablet will be unavailable for use. Post-update, a slight improvement in responsiveness, particularly within the Email application, should be noticeable.
Java Installation
Subsequently, Java must be installed on your personal computer, if it isn't already present. Visit the official Java website to download the necessary framework.
Java is essential because the software used for customizing your TouchPad is distributed as a .JAR file. This file is designed to function across major operating systems, although ensuring proper driver installation for communication between your PC and the tablet is necessary.
Note: This guide primarily focuses on Windows. Mac users should encounter fewer complications, given the TouchPad’s compatibility. However, Linux users may require additional effort to locate and install the appropriate drivers for this method.
Preparing Your Tablet with Preware
With Java now installed, the next step is to ready your tablet for homebrew applications. This is achieved using Preware, a suite of repositories containing apps, patches, and customizations for any WebOS device.
Begin by downloading the WebOS Quick Installer and execute it on your computer, ensuring your tablet is not currently connected. The installer will prompt you to install the Novacom driver – this is a necessary component, so proceed with the installation.
After the driver installation, a warning will appear indicating no device is connected; this is expected at this stage. Close the program once the process is finished.
Now, turn your attention to your tablet. Within the “Just type...” search bar on the home screen, enter the code: 20090606. An option labeled Developer Mode will then become visible.
Select this option and enable Developer Mode, but crucially, leave the password field empty. Confirm your selection by pressing Submit, and then exit the settings menu.
Important Note: Successful completion of this step is vital. If you encounter issues, double-check that you have correctly entered the code and left the password field blank.
With Developer Mode activated, connect your TouchPad to your PC. Avoid selecting USB mass storage mode; instead, dismiss any related dialogs and simply allow the tablet to remain idle.
Re-launch the WebOS Quick Install application. Your connected device should now appear in the drop-down menu located in the application’s top right corner.
Click the refresh button to initiate the download of package information. Once this process is complete, navigate to the Applications tab. Select Preware from the list and click the install button. The installation should take approximately 30 seconds.
Upon completion, exit the program and safely disconnect your TouchPad from your computer.
Optimizing Performance & Applying Patches to Your TouchPad
You’ve successfully reached this point, and your TouchPad is now capable of running homebrew applications directly on the device through the newly installed Preware application, accessible within the Downloads section of your app launcher.
However, before proceeding, it’s advisable to minimize the system logging, as the TouchPad generates a significant amount of log data, which can negatively impact performance.
Important Note: Accessing the necessary dialer function requires either a WebOS phone (paired via Bluetooth will provide dialer access) or a Skype account.
For many users, Skype will be the most viable option, so ensure your account is set up – or create a temporary account if needed – to enable access to the dialer.
Within the dialer application, enter the code ##5647# and then initiate a call by tapping the call button.
This will open the logging window, where you should first select Clear Logs, followed by Change Logging Levels and setting the logging level to minimal.
Once completed, exit the application; your logging levels have now been adjusted.
Now, launch the Preware application you previously installed and allow it to update the available packages.
You are now prepared to begin installing patches.
The Preware interface is straightforward, with applications found in the Applications section, patches in the Patches section, and various other tools categorized accordingly.
Selecting a patch and tapping Install will initiate the installation process.
To enhance the performance of your TouchPad, the following homebrew tweaks are strongly recommended.
You can browse these options or utilize the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the Preware home screen to search for each individually:
- EOM Overlord Monitoring
- Muffle System Logging
- Remove Dropped Packet Logging
- Unset CFQ IQ Scheduler
- Unthrottle Download Manager
- Increase Touch Sensitivity and Smoothness 10
- Quiet Powerd Messages
- Faster Card Animations HYPER Version
- Ad Blocker OR Max Block - Avoid installing both simultaneously.
- Private Browsing (integrates an option into your browser)
Each patch provides a description of its function, with the majority focused on reducing logging and improving overall system speed.
Some websites may experience compatibility issues with Ad Blocker or Max Block (for example, CBS.com), but any installed package can be easily removed through the Installed Packages menu within the Preware homescreen.
Upon completion, restart your device to experience a significantly more responsive TouchPad, enhanced with additional tweaks and functionalities.
Feel free to explore the Preware catalog further, although it’s important to note that much of the content is designed for Pre phones rather than 1024x768 tablets.
Final Thoughts
With access now granted to a vast collection of patches and user-created software, you should experience improved performance on your tablet. Should any sluggishness remain in WebOS, further optimization is on the horizon.
In my next guide, I will detail the process of overclocking your HP TouchPad for even greater speed.
Stay tuned for that!
Have you recently acquired an affordable TouchPad? What are your initial impressions? Were you satisfied with the results of applying these patches?
Share your experiences and any noteworthy homebrew applications you’ve discovered in the comments section below.