Hewlett-Packard will ship a tablet-style computer based on the
company's WebOS operating system in the first part of next year.
The computer maker also plans to release a tablet that runs
Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, according to a company
executive.
"You'll see us with a Microsoft product in the near future, and
a WebOS-based product in early 2011, said Todd Bradley, the head of
HP's Personal Systems Group, in a conference call Thursday in which
HP disclosed fiscal third quarter earnings.
HP acquired WebOS through its USD 1.2 billion acquisition of
mobile device manufacturer Palm earlier this year.
The move raised questions about HP's commitment to longtime
partner Microsoft. Now, it appears HP will target the consumer
market with WebOS-based mobile products, while continuing to offer
Windows-powered devices to enterprises.
In releasing a tablet, HP is hoping to replicate Apple's success
with the iPad in the nascent market for devices that bridge the gap
between PCs and smartphones. Apple sold more than three million
iPads in the first 80 days the product was on the market. Dell also
recently entered the arena with the debut of the Google
Android-based Streak.
For its third quarter, HP reported profits of USD 1.8 billion,
or 75 cents per share, compared to profits of USD 1.7 billion in
the same period a year ago. Revenue increased 11 percent
year-over-year, to USD 30.7 billion.
"The broad-based strength of HP's third-quarter performance
further demonstrates the power of our strategy and the discipline
of our execution," said Cathie Lesjak, HP's acting CEO, in a
statement. Lesjak is guiding the company while its board seeks a
full time replacement for former CEO Mark Hurd.
Hurd resigned earlier this month after disclosing an
inappropriate relationship with a marketing contractor that worked
for the company.