Lenovo Jumping on the Android Tablet Trend

Lenovo may launch an Android-based tablet by Q4 2010.

Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo Group Limited announced Wednesday that it is currently working on a tablet that will use Google's Android mobile platform. Lenovo spokeswoman Wu Hwa said that it's using Android because the company want the device--currently dubbed as LePad--to compliment the LePhone smartphone which also uses the Android platform.

Currently the tablet is slated for a Q4 2010 release--roughly the same time period many PC manufacturers plan to ship tablets. However Wu made it clear that Lenovo hasn't set a solid launch date, and that the actual name may change before it goes retail.

Liu Jun, senior vice president for Lenovo Group and president for Lenovo Product Group, added to the announcement, saying that the LePad will "echo" the LePhone in functions like web browsing and email. The device is also seen as a crucial part of the company's overall mobile Internet strategy in a 3G era.

Both Hwa and Jun did not provide additional details regarding the upcoming tablet such as hardware specs and Android versions. More info should become available within the next few months.

Lenovo's LePhone--launched in China back in April--uses Android 2.1, and is expected to arrive in other "emerging" markets. Currently it's unknown if the LePad will also focus on the Chinese market.