Updated: HP applies for PALMPAD trademark, will include stylus?

HP is applying for a trademark on the term PALMPAD which shows they not only intend to compete with Apple in the tablet space, but perhaps to compete with iPad in almost the same branding terms.

No surprise there. Back when iSlate was thought to be the name for Apple's tablet, Steve Ballmer bounded up onto the CES stage flourishing an HP Slate.

Letting Apple do the hard work of establishing consumer awareness for new product categories and then glomming onto their naming conventions -- that's smart.

webOS on a large screen device -- that could be brilliant.

Of course, Apple got more than their fair share of "pad" related jokes to go with that name. Can't imagine what HP will get with PalmPad...

Update: Now there are also rumors to suggest that PalmPad will differentiate itself from iPad with... a stylus. webOS phones have keyboards, webOS tablets have pen

[USPTO via myHPmini via PreCentral.net]

Rene Ritchie
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Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.