Hewlett-Packard considers sale of PC unit

U.S. personal-computer maker Hewlett-Packard said it is trying to buy a British software company and will stop producing its TouchPad tablet computer. In a statement, the company based in Palo Alto, Calif., said it was "in discussions with Autonomy" for possible acquisition of the firm. At the same time, HP announced it was exploring "strategic alternatives" for its personal computer division and would discontinue production of the TouchPad. The company said an option for its PC division was "a full or partial separation from HP through a spinoff or other transaction," the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. HP is the world's largest personal-computer maker. The industry has shifted dramatically in recent years, with mobile phones and laptop devices accomplishing many of the tasks that were previously the domain of personal computers. HP's TouchPad tablet computer is far behind Apple in market share. Ninety-five percent of tablet owners own an Apple iPad, the Times said. Buying Autonomy would strengthen HP's corporate technology business. After the announcement, Autonomy's stock jumped 50 percent Friday to $37.76 per share.