HP's Press Conference - Tomorrow February 9, 2011

Ever since HP purchased Palm last year, we've quite literally seen ONE webOS handset (That was the Pre 2). A lot of tech nerds expected HP's acquisition to equal more production, as HP's resources are quite considerably more diverse than Palm's. So far it hasn't amounted to that. So far.


February 9th is the day that may quite-literally make-or-break webOS. The ascetically-pleasing simple-to-use operating system was found to be appealing but a little late to save Palm from the huge pit it through itself into by not evolving Palm OS (not to mention the failed Access Linux platform, but that doesn't really count).


So really, this all comes down to what HP does with this new technology. What we're hoping for is several new devices, including a tablet and some touch-only phones. What will we get? Well, that's what we're waiting for.


As to what I'm betting (or eh... expecting) tomorrow, here's the list:

1. HP Topaz Tablet - We've seen the leaks on engadget that there will be a new HP tablet in both 9 and 7 inch editions (the 9 inch MAY be called the Opal) that will run on Sprint's WiMAX Network and AT&T 3G for now, and LTE in the future. As a bonus, HP didn't deny the leaks, saying "We Got More" (subliminal implication there is more)
2. A Palm Pixi/HP iPAQ-esque Phone - There's been rumors of a Palm Pixi 2 with webOS 2.0, front-facing Camera, and 2.8" touch screen, and while I'm not saying I don't believe them, I also want to take into account that HP's acquisition of Palm could mean Palm-esque software on HP-esque Hardware. The iPAQ line was highly succesful, even more than the Palm line (at EOL) so I wouldn't be surprised if there would be another one. Regardless of a Pixi or an iPAQ though, I believe there will be another candybar QWERTY from HP's camp.
3. Palm Castle/Mansion Touch-Only Phone - All touch phones are considerably lighter than their QWERTY counterparts, and seeing where Palm had intended to go with them, I wouldn't be surprised if HP does too. As for those rumors of a 5.0" Mansion last Summer, I think that's absurd. I draw the line for a phone, period, at 4.5, and that's luxury-esque. HP has been gearing at the average you and me, so while 5.0" sounds sweat (or eh... bulky), I would expect something aroudn 3.2 to 3.5 inches big, perhaps about the size of an iPhone, but even lighter, so it appeals to regular customers.
4. webOS Netbooks - Take a look at this screenshot of a training video. I think it's very self-explanatory.

I could be right (that'd be great) or wrong (oh well) but I'm pretty sure that SOMETHING is going to get announced tomorrow (more than one thing prob, because why hold a press conference when you could just showcase at MWC next week?), and that it'll have to do with webOS.