First images and specs of two HP webOS tablets leaked online -- 9-inch Topaz, 7-inch Opal

I’m still skeptical about HP being able to create a runaway success with tablets based on Palm’s webOS, but if the photos leaked to Engadgetfrom “a trusted tipster” are accurate, it’s definitely designed a sexy slate — or, apparently, pair of slates.

That’s because HP has a 9-inch tablet (code-named Topaz) and a 7-inch model (Opal) in the works, according to the roll-out details also passed along. The images suggest there’s a front-facing camera, a micro USB port, three speakers — and a lack of buttons on the front. Engadget was also informed they use 1.2GHz processors, though more details (manufacturer, etc.) weren’t provided.

Here’s one issue for these tablets: a release timeline. It appears that the Opal won’t arrive until September, though the Topaz may come earlier. That’s just way too much time to let Android tablets flood the market, along with RIM’s PlayBook and an iPad 2. Perhaps there’ll be better news when HP officially (and presumably) rolls these out on February 9.

In the meantime, what do you think? Does this change your opinion of the webOS tablets in either way? Let us know in the Comments section



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