HP Slate reappears mysteriously
Hewlett Packard is set to join the tablet market with the launch of their new device, the PalmPad. Unlike the mass-market tablets that have been dominating the scene, the PalmPad is primarily intended for the enterprise sector.
The PalmPad will run on the WebOS operating system, a departure from the Windows 7-powered HP Slate, which has yet to hit store shelves. Although images of the older model have surfaced recently, no details have been shared about the pricing or specifications of the PalmPad.
Interestingly, HP has ruled out a Windows 7 based tablet for the masses, positioning the PalmPad as a niche product. The company has tried out the Android operating system, but it seems to be for a tablet bundled with their Zeus printer model.
The PalmPad is expected to be ready by the time of CES 2011, a significant tech event in the calendar year. Notably, Samsung's Galaxy Pad and Research in Motion's PlayBook have already been launched, making the tablet market increasingly competitive.
HP's executive vice president, Todd Bradley, will be releasing the PalmPad. Despite the lack of specific release date, the anticipation for this new device is growing. The PalmPad will be a new addition to HP's tablet line-up, separate from the HP Slate.
The HP Slate, on the other hand, features a touch-sensitive screen that measures 8.9 inches and has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. It runs the full version of Windows 7 and might be seen on store shelves by November.
With the PalmPad, Hewlett Packard is making a strategic move to tap into the enterprise sector of the tablet market. The exact specifications of the PalmPad, such as screen size and resolution, remain to be seen. However, with CES 2011 fast approaching, we may not have to wait long to find out more about this new device.
