We know that HP is going to be releasing a second run of the bargain $99 HP TouchPad tablets some time next month, and now it looks like HP employees will be able to get their hands on the TouchPad tablet shortly.
The guys over at Tech Crunch have got their hands on an internal memo from HP which details that the TouchPad tablet will be available to HP employees from the 28th of September for $99 and $149.
HP will be selling the tablet to employees on a first come first served basis, and it will be limited to a purchase of one tablet per employee, no doubt we will see a few of them appear on eBay shortly after the 28th.
Background on the HP TouchPad
The HP TouchPad was initially launched in July 2011, but it struggled to compete with other tablets on the market, such as Apple’s iPad and various Android tablets. Despite its initial lackluster performance, the TouchPad gained significant attention when HP decided to discontinue the device and subsequently slashed its price to $99 for the 16GB model and $149 for the 32GB model. This drastic price reduction led to a surge in demand, with the tablets selling out quickly.
The TouchPad runs on HP’s webOS, an operating system that was praised for its intuitive interface and multitasking capabilities. However, the limited app ecosystem and the dominance of iOS and Android in the market contributed to its downfall. Despite this, the TouchPad has a dedicated fan base, and the fire sale pricing has made it a sought-after device for tech enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike.
Employee Purchase Program Details
According to the internal memo obtained by Tech Crunch, HP employees will have the opportunity to purchase the TouchPad at the heavily discounted prices of $99 for the 16GB model and $149 for the 32GB model. This offer will be available starting from the 28th of September, and it will be on a first come, first served basis. Each employee will be limited to purchasing one tablet, ensuring that more employees have the chance to take advantage of this deal.
The memo also highlights that the tablets will be sold through HP’s internal employee purchase program, which is designed to offer HP products at discounted rates to its staff. This program not only boosts employee morale but also helps HP clear out remaining inventory of discontinued products.
Given the popularity of the TouchPad during the initial fire sale, it is expected that the employee purchase program will see a high level of interest. Employees who manage to secure a TouchPad may choose to keep it for personal use, gift it to family or friends, or even resell it on platforms like eBay, where the demand for these discounted tablets remains high.
Implications for the Market
The re-release of the HP TouchPad at such low prices has several implications for the tablet market. Firstly, it highlights the impact of pricing on consumer demand. The initial high price of the TouchPad was a barrier to its success, but the significant price reduction made it an attractive option for many consumers. This demonstrates that competitive pricing can play a crucial role in the success of a product, especially in a market dominated by a few key players.
Secondly, the TouchPad’s resurgence underscores the importance of software ecosystems. While the hardware of the TouchPad was well-received, the limited app availability on webOS hindered its adoption. This serves as a reminder that a robust app ecosystem is essential for the success of any modern computing device.
Finally, the employee purchase program and the subsequent resale of these tablets on secondary markets like eBay could lead to a temporary increase in the availability of the TouchPad. This might provide an opportunity for developers and tech enthusiasts to experiment with webOS or even port other operating systems onto the device, further extending its lifespan and utility.
Source Tech Crunch
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