H.P. Working on �Half-Pint� Android Tablet

Hewlett Packard is working on numerous tablet devices that will come in a variety of sizes, shapes and operating systems, including Windows 7, Google�s Android, and possibly the open-source operating system Linux.

The company has so many different tablet-related projects in the works that a variety of coming publishing partners were surprised to see a Windows 7 version of the Hewlett-Packard slate announced at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

A senior editor of a major magazine publishing empire working on an internal corporate project, and speaking on the condition of anonymity because of a nondisclosure agreement, told me of an array of H.P. tablets. He said, �I�ve seen a much smaller version of H.P.�s tablet that works exclusively with Android. It�s smaller than the Windows 7 version, almost like a half-pint size, or about twice as large as the iPhone.� But this may be one of many projects in development. He added, �I�ve also heard mention of a Linux version in the works, but I haven�t seen the hardware for this device.�

Erick Schonfeld, a TechCrunch writer, also reported on Thursday about H.P�.s involvement in an Android slate.

The magazine company employee added that H.P. was working diligently to create unique content for these devices, but he cautioned that partners worry about H.P.�s understanding of the media landscape. He said, �H.P. is a great hardware company, they make excellent hardware experiences, but I worry about their ability to introduce and work with media.�

H.P. is also working with software developers including Microsoft and Adobe to create magazine content for these devices.

Marlene Somsak, an H.P. media relations Director, responded to questions about a possible smaller Android tablet. Mrs. Somsak said, �I�m certain that we will be announcing new Slates in the future as they are a very interesting area for us. There are also tons of HP Labs activities looking at a numerous different areas. As of now we are not announcing a new Android-based slate.�

According to numerous sources at Adobe and Wired, H.P. is also talking with countless publishers including Bloomberg�s BusinessWeek, Wired, and a number of other Cond� Nast publications.

Collectively, they are testing a new form of magazine on these slate-like devices that will include color images, a variety of typography and full-motion video.

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