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HP has resumed development of webOS tablets
HP returns to WebOS tablets
Mar 28, 2013 (Menafn - Bangkok Post - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Hewlett-Packard (HP), the world's biggest computer maker, has resumed development of WebOS-based tablets in Thailand to capitalise on the high-growth segment and boost revenue.
WebOS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Palm and later acquired by HP and then LG Electronics.
HP terminated its WebOS TouchPad tablet in 2011 due to slow sales. The US giant plans to launch its Android-based consumer tablet, the Slate 7, in Thailand by September at US169.
Taiwanese computer makers Acer and Asus recently launched low-cost tablets priced at 3,900 and 4,900 baht.
Thitaphon Boonprasit, director of printing and personal systems at HP Thailand, said the company is focusing on tablets as a strategic business to drive revenue growth.
Tablet sales in Thailand are expected to reach 3.5 million units this year, he said, while the local notebook market will probably see a slump or 5% growth in the best case.
HP is introducing its ElitePad 900, running the Windows 8 operating system and priced at 25,990 baht.
"We aim to be the market leader in the enterprise tablet market in Thailand," said Mr Thitaphon.
He noted the trend of businesses choosing tablets instead of notebooks as employees increasingly carry their own personal devices to work _ as many as 21% of workers at multinational firms, surveys show.
HP is targeting hospitality, health care, airlines, manufacturing and warehouses, said Mr Thitaphon.
One market research firm has said Thailand's commercial notebook market will see zero growth this year for the first time.
Commercial notebooks account for 25-30% of overall sales of 2.2 million notebooks in the country.
Mr Thitaphon said HP expects commercial tablet sales to contribute 70% of total revenue this year, with the remainder to come from consumer tablets.
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