Both are studying possibility of using Android as OS in new inexpensive netbooks.

But did you know that in 2005 Asustek was a contract manufacturer for HP's notebooks? Perhaps still is.

And Asustek is not elligible under China's stimulus plan, but HP is.

And that Asustek's EeePC dominates the inexpensive laptop market?

Have to wonder if those two could be talking, and whether that could have influenced the litigation settlement? It is a possibility that I don't think any here considered. I think the no 1 buying the no 5 that has growth potential and synergy of joining forces in developing Android OS for netbooks, might make economic sense. IMHO Opty