HP: Windows 8 Tablet Will Feature "Unique" Technology
HP's solution will be unique in a sea full of Windows 8 tablets.
While HP has remained tight-lipped about its upcoming Windows 8 tablet plans, the company recently admitted to CRN that the device will feature "unique" intellectual property. John Solomon, senior vice president of Americas sales for HP's printing and personal systems division, said that additional details will be revealed "pretty soon."
"Other OEMs will be doing tablets, but the HP tablet is going to be different: It's going to have a specific area of focus, or multiple areas of focus, which will require a high degree of channel engagement to take full advantage of the opportunity," Solomon told CRN.
HP's last tablet attempt was the TouchPad, powered by Palm's webOS software. It was launched on July 1, 2011, but was discontinued just 49 days later due to extremely poor sales. Th company thus decided to discontinue producing hardware based on webOS, and is currently making the software an open-source platform.
Naturally HP is being a little hush-hush about this second tablet attempt save for indications that the device will be tailor-made for the tablet channel, targeting vertical markets. Like all other tablet makers, HP will be going after Apple's iPad, only this time the company will be backed by Microsoft's new touchy-blocky Windows 8 platform.
Understanding the possible TouchPad-sparked hesitation by distributors, Solomon told CRN that HP is giving partners 60-day financing for tablets and other products under a recently launched program. This program also includes the participation of Wells Fargo, GE Capital, IBM and De Lage Landen.
"Essentially, we're helping pay the interest cost for partners and making sure cash flow is not an inhibitor for them growing," Solomon said. "This is something we haven't done in the past, and we think of it as proof of what we're doing to re-ignite the channel."
Solomon also backed Microsoft's need to produce the Surface tablets, saying that the move isn’t a competitive threat. "I believe Microsoft was basically making a leadership statement and showing what's possible in the tablet space," Solomon added. "Our relationship has not changed at all due to Microsoft's announcement. In fact, I applaud it -- I think it's great that they are getting out in front and [showing] what's possible."
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He also said the Surface keyboard will be great for occasional use, but professionals will want something better that's capable of everyday use. To read the full interview, head here.
Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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HEY! That should come in handy!... For the 3 people who buy windows 8 devices!Reply
Nah just joking!, Windows 8 On A Traditional Laptop (Not This) Is What Will Suck The Most.
8 RTM doesn't have that many apps yet though so that may be a issue. -
husker Unless their "unique" intellectual property is allowing it to print directly to my hp printer (via wireless network) than I doubt it will offer anything of interest.Reply -
innocent bystander I'm sticking with the Surface Pro... It seems the most promising and a good laptop replacement.Reply
IB -
CaedenV CharlieSheenWins8 RTM doesn't have that many apps yet though so that may be a issue.8RTM has tons of apps as it will run any x86 software. 8RT is the one that is shot in the head waiting to be berried before it is even born.Reply -
teh_chem Sadly in the tablet space, all you need to do to have "unique technology" is be able to make a stable unit capable of more than just media consumption.Reply -
hotroderx digiexWell, That "Unique" technology was already patented by Apple. Wait for the lawsuit.Reply
I am sure even if its not they will some how find some way to sue.... looking at the tablet its rectangle so there for its a copy of the I-Pad According to Apple. -
Belardo The HP Touchpad from the front LOOKS almost exactly like the iPad1. Even down to the home button (Square) Same size, same screen, same bezel.Reply