HP may just be re-thinking about it's PC unit,
and might be waiting to see if it might not be worth it to stay in the PC/tablet business after Windows 8 is released..
If they're going to take a year to think about it, it could be that, that gives them enough time to re-evaluate the new OS paradigm coming down the pike, that being Windows 8, which will give new life to PCs and tablets. Wouldn't they look foolish if after the PC/tablet units are sold/spun off, the PC and tablet markets take off like a rocket?