Hewlett-Packard Comp. (HPQ) is still the number one supplier of personal computers, but its moves in recent weeks have baffled many.  It killed its first webOS tablet two weeks ago, after only giving the device six weeks to prove itself on the market.  At the same time, it announced that it would be looking to get rid of its consumer personal computer business.

HP wrote:

HP also reported that it plans to announce that its board of directors has authorized the exploration of strategic alternatives for its Personal Systems Group (PSG). HP will consider a broad range of options that may include, among others, a full or partial separation of PSG from HP through a spin-off or other transaction.

The PSG is HP's unit responsible for making consumer PCs.  Apparently the "other transaction" is more or less off the table, according to PSG head Todd Bradley, who spoke with Reuters in an interview.  HP now seems to have its mind set on a spin-off.

Mr. Bradley states, "A standalone company could and will do what's most required to drive value for shareholders and partners."

He says that "the numbers don't support" a sale.  In other words, HP might want to sell the PSG to somebody, but no major manufacturer has the cash to stomach the $10-12B USD cost of the unit.  Taiwan's ASUSTEK Computer, Inc. (TPE:2357) and Acer Inc. (TPE:2353) -- two prospective buyers don't have the cash.  Nor does Hong Kong-based Lenovo Group, Ltd. (HKG: 0992), which has $3.8B USD cash on hand and would have to relying on a heavily stock-based purchase should it make an offer.

For now, Mr. Bradley is soldiering along like business as usual.  He comments, "[R]egardless of what happens, we're the largest PC company in the world. We need everybody energized, and while this isn't business as usual, we need people to go out and sell products every day."

He's currently on an Asian trip to strengthen the PSG's Chinese manufacturing capabilities.  The PSG plans to increase investments in China, consolidating its six local employee sites into a single large campus, located near Shanghai, which it will make its regional headquarters.  It also plans on expanding its manufacturing in China.

Securing cheap, steady contracts for Chinese parts and labor has been a key to Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) rise to third place in the U.S. personal computer market.

Mr. Bradley says a webOS revival could be in the works.  Following the rash of interest during the webOS clearance, he says several manufacturers (presumably tablet or smart phone manufacturers) have approached HP about licensing the OS.  He also would not rule out a TouchPad revival, stating, "Tablet computing is a segment of the market that's relevant, absolutely."

The PSG head, recently named Fortune's "smartest executive", has big plans -- he says he hopes to be chief executive at the new company, should a spinoff occur.  He states, "Unwinding the integration that's taken place within HP will be enormous amounts of work and effort, justified by the return we think we'll be able to provide to our shareholders.  My intention would be to lead [the PSG] through this transaction...and if it's a standalone public company, to lead that."