Hewlett-Packard just unveiled new all-in-one desktops which will start rolling out this month amidst an impending PC spinoff.  What they’re doing is just plain confusing.  The thing that should concern HP, aside from possibly losing their customer base, is losing their employees.  There are rumors that HP employees are already gearing up to look for a new job or are already looking for stable pastures.  With all these mixed messages HP is sending, you can’t really blame their employees if they begin abandoning ship.

Also, it doesn’t really help that Todd Bradley told newspapers that he wants to see the PC spinoff happen “as soon as they can” and that in making the PSG an independent PC company, they would be able to make tablets that would run on other platforms like the Windows 7 and Google’s Android.  It’s like telling your employees you can’t wait to get rid of them.  Also, the Q&A web page which they made to address concerns of consumers doesn’t seem too comforting if you’re an HP employee.

HP’s bold new direction. The facts.

What’s the future of HP’s Personal Systems Group (PSG)?

Our preferred course is to spin off our PC business into a separate company, creating a more agile organization to help us better anticipate change and quickly respond to customers.

What will happen to the product warranties?

HP is committed to our customers and to honoring all warranty obligations. The warranties provided with our PC products and services will be honored regardless of PSG’s future ownership status.

Why did HP discontinue operations for the TouchPad and webOS phones? Is webOS going away?

We will continue to invest in building out the webOS ecosystem and set of applications. We will also continue to support and deliver over-the-air updates.

What is the future for webOS?

Although HP is winding down the device operations of our webOS division by October 31, 2011, we will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software.

In a nutshell, we expect the new PSG—whatever form that will be—will continue to innovate with high-quality products and services to meet business and consumer needs. HP will continue to focus on innovative cloud solutions and services to help tame the explosive growth of data that our customers are experiencing.

Their clear uncertainty will surely take a toll on the loyalty of their employees.  Some people don’t like change, and a simple change in ownership or management could cause them to perform poorly or even leave the company.

Though the future is hazy for webOS, their division will now be reporting to Shane Robison, HP’s chief strategy and technology officer.  This move coincides with their goal to continue investing and building the webOS and to continue giving support and updates for their clients.

HP’s loss, Dell’s win

If HP is really turning its back to the PC business, Dell would be more than happy to cater their customers.  Dell’s PC sales haven’t been doing too well, not to mention their epic, failed attempt at a tablet.   Apple is clearly dominating on all those aspects, making it a tough market for consumer electronics during the mobile transition.  But with HP leaving the PC business, this could mean that more PC users would come knocking at their door.