HP TouchPad Go Clears the FCC

Regulatory filings suggest that Hewlett-Packard may be moving forward with a new tablet despite the previous termination of its mobile device line. Recently, a new hardware submission from HP successfully cleared the Federal Communications Commission, fueling speculation that a revised version of the abandoned TouchPad could eventually see a commercial release.

While HP has requested confidentiality regarding most of the specific technical details, the FCC documentation confirms the device features Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Identified by the model number HSTNH-I31C, the device is widely believed to be the "TouchPad Go," a seven-inch version of HP’s original tablet. Previously, this smaller model was considered a casualty of HP’s decision to exit the webOS hardware market, as it never reached retail shelves.

The appearance of these documents suggests that HP might still be interested in a U.S. launch, which would provide a significant boost to the longevity of the webOS platform. Notably, this represents the second time this specific model has appeared in FCC records. The repeat filing points toward potential hardware changes; the latest version seems to lack the 3G cellular radio found in earlier iterations and may have been stripped of other features, such as a camera, to lower production costs.

While some industry observers argued the paperwork was merely the conclusion of old administrative business, the filing dates are current, with certain reports signed as recently as October 5, 2011. Whether this indicates an upcoming product announcement or simply the completion of a long-delayed internal project remains to be seen. Unless HP makes a formal statement, further details will likely stay hidden until the regulatory embargo on the filing’s images and manuals expires in several months.