Hewlett Packard, the world’s largest maker of personal computers, said on Tuesday that it was evaluating Google Android operating system’s capabilities for potential use in netbooks as well as communication devices. A Google-only personal computer from the world’s top maker may mark a milestone for the search giant.

“We are indeed studying [Google Android]. As the world’s leading computer company, we want to understand all the OS choices in the marketplace that may be used by competitors or potentially even deployed by us to meet customer needs. So we're looking into Android's capabilities for potential use in the computer and communications industries,” said Marlene Somsak, director of worldwide media relations for HP’s personal system group, in an interview with ChannelWeb web-site.

Theoretically, Google Android along with Google online services can substitute Microsoft Windows and certain Microsoft Office programs. A pure Google netbook will also mark a milestone for Google: the company will officially become an online software platform provider that rivals Microsoft Corp. as well as various developers of Linux-based operating systems.

Unfortunately, it is unknown when such “pure Google” netbook emerges and whether it emerges at all.

“If you ask if, how or when HP might introduce any Android-enabled platforms, you can anticipate our answer: We don’t speculate on products that may or may not be under way,” Ms. Somsak added.

Currently Android powers only T-Mobile G1 phone and it is likely to take some time before HP manages to adapt Android for netbooks. It is also unclear whether it is more economically feasible to tailor Android for mobile personal computers than to install Microsoft Windows operating system.

Tags: Google, Android, HP