HP officially drops Android plans, focusing on “PalmPad” webOS tablet for early 2011

Even though Hewlett-Packard just announced a printer with a curious 7-inch Android tablet, the company has officially given up plans on releasing a stand-alone Android tablet, or an Android smartphone, according to former Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein.

Now the head of HP’s gadget business, Rubinstein said that the company is aiming to deliver a tablet in early 2011 running webOS — Palm’s mobile operating system for its Pre and Pixi smartphones — in an interview with the Financial Times. HP will also focus on webOS for future smartphones — it previously announced that it won’t be making Windows Phone 7 devices.

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The mystery webOS tablet may end being called the “PalmPad” — a name that HP executive vice president Todd Bradley dropped in an analyst call yesterday. HP filed to trademark the PalmPad name back in July, PreCentral reports. At TechCrunch Disrupt this week, Bradley said that HP’s aim isn’t to copy Apple’s business for the iPhone or iPad. He pointed out that HP has huge advantages in retail, distribution and supply chain that are unmatched by anyone.

HP plans to ship its Windows 7-based Slate tablet before the PalmPad. The company’s decision to move forward with the Slate is curious, especially after it was rumored earlier this year that the project was delayed. A recent video preview of the Slate left much to be desired — it’s clear that Windows 7 doesn’t have much of a shot at competing with the likes of Android, webOS, and the iPhone’s operating system (iOS) when it comes to tablets.

Image via SlashGear

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