HP serves up Android netbook, Windows Mobile smartphone

Computer maker HP unveiled a netbook running the Android operating system and carrying its Compaq brand, a reflection of the growing range of devices powered by Google's mobile platform. HP separately announced a new smartphone, the Glisten, which is the latest in the company's long line of iPAQ-branded, Windows Mobile-powered smartphones.

Hp Compaq AirLife 100 AndroidHP said its new Compaq AirLife 100 netbook combines a 10.1-inch diagonal screen, 16 GB storage, Qualcomm's Snapdragon processor and the Android operating system with a customized touch interface. The device will be sold exclusively through Latin American carrier Telefónica and will be available in the spring.

"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, vice president and general manager of HP's Personal Systems Group for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "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 HP Android netbook is especially interesting considering Google last year unveiled plans for another computer platform--dubbed Chrome--designed specifically for netbooks. Devices powered by that operating system, which Google has described as separate but related to Android, are expected later this year.

As for HP's iPAQ Glisten, the device also will be available through Telefónica in Latin America. The gadget sports an AMOLED screen, a Qwerty keyboard and the Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system. Interestingly, HP said the device would support Adobe's Flash technology for Web browsing.

HP said it would show off its new gadgets at next week's Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, Spain. Indeed, the HP Android-powered netbook is to be one of dozens of new Android-running devices expected at the event.

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