HP TouchPad Overclocking Guide - WebOS

Optimizing HP TouchPad Performance: Beyond Initial Tweaks

Previously, we explored methods for enhancing the speed of a recently purchased HP TouchPad through the application of various patches and adjustments. While these modifications demonstrably improve performance – particularly when contrasted with the original 3.0 firmware – some instances of lag and stuttering may still occur.

For users seeking a more substantial performance boost, increasing the processor speed to 1.5GHz could provide the desired results. It’s important to acknowledge that this process may invalidate your device’s warranty if complications arise.

Safe Overclocking with WebOS Doctor

However, utilizing tools like WebOS Doctor significantly mitigates the risks, making the procedure relatively safe and straightforward. The software simplifies the overclocking process considerably.

Furthermore, the ability to revert to the original Palm kernel and default settings is readily available, often requiring only a few simple steps. This provides a safety net and allows for easy restoration if needed.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

• Increased Speed: A 1.5GHz clock speed can lead to a more responsive and fluid user experience.
• Warranty Implications: Modifying the kernel may void the manufacturer's warranty.
• Recovery Options: WebOS Doctor facilitates easy restoration to factory defaults.

Ultimately, this speed increase represents a potential solution for those still experiencing performance limitations on their HP TouchPad. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits is recommended before proceeding.

Warranty, Preware & Patches

Prior to proceeding, ensure that Preware has been installed, Developer Mode is activated, and the patches referenced in my previous article are applied. Preware will be essential for downloading and installing the new kernel and governor application. Developer Mode allows modifications to the TouchPad’s current kernel, and these patches significantly contribute to achieving enhanced tablet performance.

It should be understood that HP is unlikely to offer support for a TouchPad returned in a non-functional state ("bricked") due to an improper reboot resulting from kernel modifications. Likewise, damage caused directly by overclocking will not be covered under warranty.

The potential risks associated with these modifications should be carefully considered.

However, increasing the clock speed to 1.5GHz is generally considered a safe process. This adjustment does not elevate the processor’s voltage requirements, nor does it substantially diminish battery longevity. Initial observations suggest a battery life reduction of approximately 10%, with some users reporting a maximum decrease of 20%.

Furthermore, operating temperatures remain relatively stable following this adjustment.

UberKernel and Alternative Kernel Options

Currently, UberKernel stands as the sole genuinely stable kernel offering overclocking capabilities. While numerous other kernels exist, they remain within Preware’s testing channels.

UberKernel has undergone sufficient evaluation to be considered suitable for general use.

Exploring Experimental Kernels

For those keen on exploring more aggressive overclocking possibilities, kernels like PsychoKernel offer speeds reaching up to 1.9GHz. However, it’s important to note that such high speeds often compromise system stability.

PsychoKernel can be found at WebOS-Internals.

Stability and Feature Integration

As each alpha version of these experimental kernels matures and gains stability, beneficial features are frequently incorporated into the official UberKernel releases.

Therefore, unless you are prepared to navigate the challenges of testing builds, remaining with the publicly released UberKernel is generally recommended.

This approach ensures a balance between performance enhancements and a reliable user experience.

Installing UberKernel and Govnah

Access Preware and select Available Packages. Then, navigate to Kernels and choose All. Currently, two kernels are offered: Palm Kernel, which serves as the default recovery kernel, and UberKernel.

Opt for UberKernel. Carefully review the disclaimer before proceeding to tap Install. The installation process should not exceed ten minutes. Upon completion, a prompt will appear requesting a device restart, which should be executed.

A successful installation will result in your TouchPad booting up normally. You will notice initial boot information displayed by UberKernel. Currently, the TouchPad is not yet overclocked; UberKernel merely provides the capability to do so. A governor application, such as Govnah, is required to adjust the CPU frequency.

Return to Preware and tap the magnifying glass icon (search) located in the top right corner. Type "Govnah" (without quotation marks) and select the single result presented. After reviewing the application description, initiate the installation by tapping Install.

Exit Preware and launch your application launcher. Access Downloads and select Govnah. Thoroughly read and understand the displayed text before proceeding to the main interface. The Govnah home screen should appear as follows:

To begin overclocking, tap Profile and then choose OnDemandTcl 1512. You will be directed back to the Govnah home screen, where you can observe your CPU clock speed increasing to 1.5GHz. Your device is now overclocked; exit Govnah and experience the enhanced performance.

Custom profiles can be created to specify desired clock speeds. However, be aware that encountering issues is possible. To uninstall, locate UberKernel within your Installed Packages list in Preware, uninstall it, and then reboot your device. The process is straightforward!

Restoring Your WebOS Device with WebOS Doctor

Should you experience issues with your WebOS device, complete recovery may still be achievable. WebOS Doctor is a utility crafted to revert your WebOS device to its factory firmware image.

A comprehensive guide detailing the device restoration process, alongside troubleshooting for potential problems, is available on WebOS-Internals.

Obtaining WebOS Doctor

Download: The WebOS Doctor application is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, and 7, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 and later versions.

Essential Resources

Documentation: Refer to the Restoring A Device guide on WebOS Internals for detailed instructions.

Additionally, the Palm WebOS Doctor FAQ, originally provided by HP/Palm, offers valuable insights and solutions.

This tool provides a pathway to resolve many software-related issues and return your device to a stable, working state.

Final Thoughts

Following a couple of days of operation with an overclock applied, a discernible performance enhancement is evident. Application launch speeds, specifically for programs like email clients and photo viewers, have been significantly reduced.

Scrolling through email lists and navigating interface elements within Facebook also demonstrate improved responsiveness. Web browsing feels more agile, and notably, no substantial decrease in battery life has been observed.

Share Your Experience

We are interested to hear if you have experienced similar gains in speed on your TouchPad. Did you implement a simple patch, or did you fully overclock the device?

What are your overall impressions of WebOS? Do you anticipate that HP will maintain ongoing software updates, or potentially offer the operating system for sale in the future?

This remains a widely discussed subject, so please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.