Is HP going Android for tablets?

The writing is on the wall, and it’s clear from many analysts and sales statistics that the traditional PC market is declining.

More and more of us are opting to purchase tablets and smartphones rather than replace aging PCs with new notebooks and desktop computers. In the post-PC market, many of the large computer makers are struggling to design new products that will entice consumers back to their brand.

For many industry heavyweights, this means going the smartphone and tablet route. Unfortunately, most major computer manufacturers have been unable to compete in the hyper-competitive mobile market thus far. Case in point? Dell and its Aero device that turned up back in 2010 and failed to make an impact on the market.

Recently, a number of reports and rumors seem to indicate that HP is set to launch its own Android tablet, alongside Windows tablets like the Envy X2. Indeed, according to sources who claim to be familiar with HP’s plans, the company intends to roll out a high-end tablet running an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor at some point this year. The rumors claim the tablet could be unveiled during Mobile World Congress in private meetings and would be among the first tablets to ship using the processor.

Reports also indicate that HP may be eyeing Android smartphones as well. Of course, HP is far from assured success in the high-end tablet market that Apple dominates with its iPad. Most manufacturers have been targeting the smaller seven-inch range and offering less expensive tablets.

Frankly, HP tends to think its products are worth a significant premium so it would come as little surprise if the company’s Android tablet turns out to be considerably more expensive than other popular devices already on the market.