On Wednesday, Mr. Ballmer, Microsoft’s chief executive, will unveil a novel take on a slate-type computer during his evening keynote at the Consumer Electronics trade show in Las Vegas, according to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans. The product will be touted as a multi-media whiz with e-reader and multi-touch functions. The slate will be made by Hewlett-Packard and possibly available by mid-year, these people said.
Spokespeople from Microsoft and H.P. declined to comment on the product or the content of Mr. Ballmer’s speech.