HP and Lenovo to launch tablets?

HP and Lenovo are the latest hardware manufacturers to enter the tablet market, according to widespread reports.

HP has filed a trademark application for the name 'Palmpad' with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In the application, the upcoming device was described as a handheld, portable and mobile computer.

The firm delayed its Android based tablet last week, but this information suggests that it may well launch a device before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Lenovo is said to be prepping an iPad killer of its own in the form of the 'LePad'. Details are scarce, but it could run on the Android OS, according to reports.

It seems that every tech manufacturer is going to give the tablet market a shot in an effort to ride the momentum created by the all-conquering iPad.

Smartphones are so last year, obviously. Samsung is also expected to join the tablet fray this year with a Galaxy model and even RIM is feeling rather adventurous as it throws its hat in.

Sharp's upcoming e-book reader sounds suspiciously like an iPad as well, especially as the Japanese firm confirmed it will be capable of playing audio and video content.

V3.co.uk wonders if Nokia's scientists are beavering away on a tablet in a secret lab somewhere as well. That is unless they are too busy working on making a decent smartphone or watching Salatut elämät while eating biscuits all day.

20 Jul 2010