Microsoft and H.P. To Reveal Slate PC Ahead of Apple

Looks like the rumors of an Apple tablet are creating ripples… the HP tablet apparently has two hinged screens, which seems to put it into the smartbook category.

On Wednesday, Mr. Ballmer, Microsoft‘s
chief executive, will unveil a novel take on a slate-type computer
during his evening keynote at the Consumer Electronics trade show in
Las Vegas, according to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans. The
slate will be made by Hewlett-Packard and possibly available by mid-year, these people said.

This product better be good because Apple is expected to unveil
its take on the slate/tablet form-factor later this month. If history
holds, Apple will issue a product that surprises people in a few ways
and that stands out from the crowd. —NY Times Bits Blog