HP Win8 Tablets Could be Ready by Summer: Report

Major PC maker Hewlett-Packard (better known as HP) is reportedly working on a number of tablet computers and hybrid devices based on the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) from Microsoft.

A recent presentation by the company's chief executive officer (CEO) suggests such gadgets could be available by the 2012 holiday season, or even sooner.

During a recent earnings conference call, HP CEO Meg Whitman made reference to her company's plans to soon unveil Windows 8 tablets and related devices.

The following day, she elaborated on this point, adding that HP would most likely use both the Intel Atom processor and Qualcomm's ARM technology in the upcoming devices.

Intel Atom HP Tablets Likely to Ship First

Although HP is preparing to release Windows 8-based tablets using both ARM and Atom platforms, Whitman indicated that only one is likely to ship before the end of the year.

"Windows 8 on ARM. It's not immediately clear when that will launch," Whitman reportedly told the Wall Street Journal. Unfortunately, Whitman refused to offer further details about any device. (Source: cnet.com)

Industry analyst Richard Shim, however, says his sources tell him that Hewlett-Packard is currently working on a Windows 8 slate boasting a 10.1-inch screen offering the impressive resolution of 1366x768 pixels.

While Whitman is playing it safe with release dates, Shim says he believes such a tablet could be ready by summer, 2012.

HP Looking to Overcome TouchPad Debacle

If that's true, it could provide HP a glowing opportunity to overcome last year's TouchPad debacle. For those who missed it, the company's first major foray into the tablet market did not go well.

Following the device's early 2011 release, sales sputtered. So in the late summer, HP slashed the price to just $99, leading to long line-ups at major electronics retailers like Best Buy.

Of course, it would appear the key to HP's revival in this sector is the inclusion of the highly-anticipated Windows 8 operating system.

"The better Windows 8 is, the better off we are," Whitman said in a recent interview.

"So, we're rooting for a fantastic Windows 8 product that's delivered on time that we can get to market before the holiday season." (Source: tomshardware.com)