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HP's smartbook aims to rival Apple
Computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard has launched its first smartbook based on Google's Android operating system.
The device was developed by the firm in a bid to compete in the same market as Apple's new iPad tablet.
The Compaq AirLife 100, featuring a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 92% size keyboard, is being marketed to consumers wanting a combination of a smartphone and a netbook.
HP bucked the netbook trend for Intel's Atom processor, instead fitting its machines with Qualcomm's Snapdragon ARM processor. The move to spurn Intel came after Apple chose ARM chips over the Atom processors for its iPad.
The HP device offers 12 hours of battery life and 16GB of internal solid-state storage. The product, which also features 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, will be sold from this spring thorough Telefonica.
Charl Snyman, vice president and general manager of HP Personal Systems Group in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), called the device the next evolution of web-based mobile computer technology. He added that the new type of computer user was concerned with friends, people and online social ranks over processing speeds.
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