In this week’s Gadget Lab podcast, the crew shines the spotlight on the TouchPad tablet, HP’s response to the iPad.

What’s so interesting about the TouchPad? HP made the product with the same business strategy as Apple’s: One company designs both the hardware and software of the product (aka “vertical integration”). That allows for the operating system to be optimized for the hardware components, which should provide a smooth and polished experience similar to the iPad.

Despite this strategy, reviewers of the TouchPad found that many parts of the TouchPad’s webOS software felt sluggish and unfinished, and dinged the product for having access to only 300 apps. Our Mike Isaac didn’t have an issue with the small number of apps, however, because the 300 available were enough for him to enjoy the product.

I take a quick peek at Windows Phone Mango, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system. Rather than review the software, I’ve taken on an uncomfortable assignment: I’ve removed my SIM card from my iPhone and stuck it inside the Windows phone to live inside the Microsoft world for a few weeks. I’ll have a full report on the experience.

Finally, we wrap up with this week’s rumor that there will be two new iPhones introduced in September. While we believe the iPhone 5 is inevitable, a second lesser model seems unlikely.

Like the show? You can also get the Gadget Lab video podcast via iTunes, or if you don’t want to be distracted by our unholy on-camera talent, check out the Gadget Lab audio podcast. Prefer RSS? You can subscribe to the Gadget Lab video or audio podcast feeds

Or listen to the audio here:

Gadget Lab audio podcast #118