By Claire Reilly

HP has announced the launch of a new 7-inch tablet, known as the Slate 7, offering retailers a competitively-priced option in the mobile device category.

Starting at RRP $199, the Slate 7 is $170 cheaper than the 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad mini, which, with a 7.9-inch screen, will be a near competitor for HP's new device.

The Slate 7 features an ARM dual-core 1.6GHz processor, as well as a 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and VGA camera on the front. The tablet offers Wi-Fi connectivity but no 3G or 4G capability.

"To address the growing interest in tablets among consumers and businesses alike, HP will offer a range of form factors and leverage an array of operating systems," said Alberto Torres, senior vice president, Mobility Global Business Unit, HP.

"Our new HP Slate 7 on Android represents a compelling entry point for consumer tablets," he said.

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The Slate 7 is one of the first products to be launched as part of HP's new Mobility Global Business Unit, which was formed in September 2012. Under the leadership of Torres, HP is targeting products such as the Slate 7 at the consumer market, while also hoping to address enterprise needs with products such as the HP ElitePad, which uses Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system.

Hitting the market in April 2013, the Slate 7 may well represent a new direction in the tablet category. As a low-priced offering from a well-known brand, the device could well be the first of many entry-level products that target the needs of consumers looking for connectivity and mobility, without the price tag.

HP Slate 7.

Meanwhile, HP has sold the WebOS mobile operating system developed by Palm to LG Electronics. WebOS suffered a brief period of notoriety when it was featured on HP's ill-fated TouchPad. HP cancelled its TouchPad business between the launch event for the Australian release and the on-sale date, resulting in Harvey Norman clearing stock at extremely low prices.

Overseas reports suggest LG plans to use WebOS on its Smart TVs.