HP reportedly plans to ‘aggressively attack’ smartphone and tablet markets

Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) CEO Meg Whitman recently admitted that the company will “ultimately” offer another smartphone. The executive was reluctant to give further details, however recent reports claimed HP was testing a device on the Android operating system. In a research note to investors on Thursday, per ZDNet, Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said that he believes HP will “aggressively attack” the smartphone and tablet markets. The analyst notes that it is a risky investment, however. “While the move makes sense strategically, we see it as a high risk move,” Misek said. “On top of adding costs and working capital burdens to an already stressed balance sheet, there could be additional write-offs.” The analyst concluded his arguments by pointing out that nearly all PC manufacturers have failed to gain significant traction with consumer smartphones and tablets. The exceptions, of course, are fairly obvious.

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