Hewlett-Packard

(HPQ) - Get Report

is developing a consumer notebook computer with a touch screen that will debut before year end, the

Wall Street Journal

reports.

The computer will include special H-P software that supports the touch screen, according to the

Journal

, which cited people familiar with the matter. Other details, such as pricing, were unclear.

The new laptop is the latest in a series of touch-oriented devices, including an upcoming line of cell phones, that will become a priority of H-P's consumer strategy as it tries to differentiate itself from rivals such as

Dell

(DELL) - Get Report

, the newspaper reports.

H-P began promoting touch screens last year with a big-screen desktop PC called the TouchSmart.

Touch-sensitive technology allows computer users to move items around on the screen or open files, much like a mouse or keyboard.

This article was written by a staff member of TheStreet.com.