HP touts Android-powered netbook

HP has announced its first netbook to use the Android operating system, which was originally designed for mobile phones.

The Compaq AirLife 100 comes with a 10.1in screen, 16GB solid state internal storage, a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor similar to that in the iPad, and touch controls so that users can zoom into sections of the display.

The netbook supports 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi and 3G cellular communications. The latter will be provided by Telefónica as part of an agreement signed last year with HP to work on joint devices.

"The browser has become the desktop for many people, and the new Compaq AirLife is the next evolution of a mobile computer that is streamlined specifically for the web," said Charl Snyman, general manager of HP's Personal Systems Group in EMEA.

"This new type of user lives life online and no longer measures computing speeds and feeds, but rather friends, people and online social ranks."

The netbook will have built-in GPS, and HP is claiming a battery life of 12 hours.

No details on pricing have been revealed, but the device is expected to be subsidised by Telefónica if bought with a data plan. It will go on sale in Europe shortly.