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HP Testing Windows 8 on TouchPads

By - Source: Clayton Morris

HP may build an entirely new tablet using Microsoft's upcoming ARM-friendly OS, Windows 8.

Clayton Morris from FOX News reports that HP is currently doing "proof of concept work" testing the Preview Edition of Windows 8 on TouchPad tablets without webOS installed.

According to unnamed sources within HP, the company is having internal discussions about reviving the defunct webOS-based version after the supposed second fire sale wave takes place on an unspecified date. The company is also considering building an entirely new device instead with Windows 8 in mind.

The TouchPad was a brief glimmer on the market before HP pulled the device not two months after its debut. Yet despite the talk about selling off its PC division and putting webOS on hold, HP firmly stated that it had no plans to exit the tablet sector.

HP seemingly backed up its commitment by resurrecting the TouchPad for a brief fire sale back in August, offering the device for $99. The tablets were consumed in a matter of hours, prompting HP to promise another wave at an undetermined date.

It's quite possible that HP is testing Windows 8 on the current hardware set to see if any slight modifications are needed to the TouchPad before Microsoft reportedly launches Windows 8 in August 2012. The company could switch to Nvidia's quad-core Tegra 3 and add more RAM to possibly put it in the same league as the Android 4-powered Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime.

Morris also reports that layoff notices in the PC division have been put on hold while HP determines its outcome. On the webOS front, the company is reportedly meeting with a number of interested buyers including HTC, LG, Nikon, and Amazon.

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  • 3
    cptnjarhead , October 26, 2011 10:05 PM
    WebOS really shines on the Touchpad.
    Once you use WebOS, you will realize how stupid hp is.
  • 3
    jwcalla , October 26, 2011 9:26 PM
    I just got my HP TouchPad and it's pretty fancy. To me, webOS seems like a really nice design. I've given the Windows 8 DP a try and I just came away from the experience feeling "meh". It doesn't seem as advanced as webOS, aside from the switch-back-to-desktop functionality.

    This report surprises me a bit. There will undoubtedly be a lot of people interested in a Windows tablet so this might be a good move for HP.
  • 2
    igot1forya , October 26, 2011 10:11 PM
    southernsharkWho would buy anything from HP?

    HP's enterprise products are actually pretty good. I work with multiple venders on a daily basis and I have no complaints about their quality or service - on the enterprise level anyway.
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