Microsoft to unveil HP slate computer

(AP) -- Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer plans to demonstrate a touch-screen, tablet-style computer from Hewlett-Packard Co. on Wednesday night. It's the first of several such devices expected to be unveiled this month.

People familiar with the matter described the computer, also known as a slate, to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. They were not authorized to reveal details before Ballmer's presentation at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Tablet-style computers that run Windows have been available for a decade. But HP's new machine is bound to draw extra attention given the expectations that Apple Inc. will launch a similar device this month.

Dell Inc. also plans to demonstrate a tablet computer concept Thursday at CES.

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