Hewlett-Packard reportedly intends to release its first tablet based on Palm WebOS operating system in the first quarter of 2011, around one year after HP acquired Palm. There are no precise details about the device at the moment except of the fact that its code-name is Hurricane.

The information about the tablet was released by Todd Bradley, the vice president of personal systems group at HP, during an all-hands employee meeting, reports Engadget web-site. The project is known internally as Hurricane and there are possibilities that Palm started it quite some time ago as an independent company. No technical specifications are known, but since webOS will be used, it is likely that the device will be powered by an ARM-based system-on-chip.

It should be noted that HP also plans to release a slate-type personal computer for enterprises running Windows 7 and also an electronic book reader powered by Google Android. Three tablets from one company seems somewhat excessive, given the fact that they will inevitably compete against each other.

Various manufacturers of personal computers or mobile devices are also gearing up to release their tablets early next year. With three tablets under HP brand due late in 2010 or early in 2011 it is evident that HP is very serious about its slate lineup.

HP did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: HP, webOS, Palm