If you have been kicking yourself for not picking up a TouchPad when they were on fire sale for $99, here is your chance again. The catch is that the tablet is a bit more expensive now than it was a while back. On TigerDirect, the tablet is $149.99 after a $150 rebate.
Understanding the Rebate Offer
If you are wondering what the catch is, this deal is just like the one we saw at Best Buy a few weeks back. To get the $150 rebate, the buyer has to also purchase a qualifying HP laptop, desktop, or workstation. The rebate apparently comes to you in the mail, so you pay $299.99 for the tablet up front.
This type of rebate offer is not uncommon in the tech world. Companies often bundle products together to boost sales of higher-margin items like laptops and desktops. While the initial outlay is higher, the rebate can make the overall deal more attractive if you were already in the market for a new computer. However, it’s essential to read the fine print and ensure that the qualifying products meet your needs.
Is It Really a Good Deal?
On closer inspection, this isn’t such a good deal. You should have bought while the TouchPads were $99.99. This tablet failed miserably on the market, but people still want them to turn into Android tablets. I wonder if HP will see what the market is saying and launch an Android tablet now.
The HP TouchPad initially launched with webOS, an operating system that, despite its innovative features, failed to gain significant market traction. The tablet’s poor sales performance led to a dramatic price drop, making it a hot commodity for tech enthusiasts looking to repurpose the device with Android. The community-driven efforts to port Android onto the TouchPad have kept interest in the device alive, even years after its discontinuation.
However, the current offer requires a significant upfront investment and the purchase of additional hardware. For those who missed the original fire sale, this deal might still be tempting, especially if they are in the market for a new HP computer. But for others, the added cost and hassle of dealing with rebates might not be worth it.
Moreover, the landscape of tablets has evolved significantly since the TouchPad’s release. There are now numerous affordable Android tablets on the market that offer better performance, more features, and ongoing software support. For instance, devices like the Amazon Fire HD series or budget offerings from brands like Lenovo and Samsung provide excellent value without the need for rebates or additional purchases.
In conclusion, while the $149.99 price tag after rebate might seem appealing at first glance, it’s crucial to consider the total cost and whether the additional hardware purchase aligns with your needs. The nostalgia and potential for running Android might attract some buyers, but for most, there are better options available today.
via SlashGear
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