We’re certain the HP TouchPad webOS-based tablet now for sale at a mere $99 was launched with emotions echoing ‘I want to manufacture a tablet too, everyone is doing that!’ But the company has much introspection to do considering current happenings suggest everyone turned their back at the device. And it wasn’t only the slate, the webOS phones too didn’t manage to pick pace.
This development on the TouchPad front, is obvious, won’t leave anyone in particular by surprise, considering it’s been a day since HP officially announced that it won’t be continuing operations for webOS devices. A post on Engadget reports PreCentral revealing a memo being outed to HP partners to bring down the price of the TouchPad.
After the price cut, the 16GB and 32GB versions of the device would be $99 and $149 respectively. Best Buy and Future Shop appear to have already lowered the price of the tablet by putting it up for a sale which will last until August 22. The message HP seems to giving out to fans with this massive price cut, going down from $300 (approx. Rs. 13,698) to less than half the price at $99 (approx. Rs. 4,520) says lots is amiss.
It isn’t difficult to speculate what the fate of the 64GB white HP TouchPad that the HP U.S. website is currently showing for under $600 would be too. With so much already happening, the timing of this launch just doesn’t seem right. Besides, there are also rumors that AT&T has ‘completely cancelled’ its launch of the Pre 3 smartphone.
Those who think $99 is a good enough price to pick a tablet may want to give the HP TouchPad a go, strictly at their own risk though.
