Recently, HP announced that they would drop the price of the HP TouchPad, their first webOS tablet, by $50. Then, last weekend, they announced that they would be offering the 16GB model for $399 for the weekend only, a drop of $100 off the original price.
HP must have had some good sales over the weekend with the reduced price, as they have now announced that the HP TouchPad price drop is permanent, and the 16GB model will now retail for $399.
The 32GB model has also seen a price reduction to $499, and HP is obviously looking to compete with many of the other tablets on the market which were priced at HP’s previous price point.
HP’s Strategy in the Competitive Tablet Market
HP’s decision to reduce the price of the TouchPad is a strategic move to gain a stronger foothold in the highly competitive tablet market. The tablet market is dominated by major players like Apple’s iPad and various Android tablets from manufacturers such as Samsung, Asus, and others. By lowering the price, HP aims to attract more consumers who might be price-sensitive but still looking for a high-quality tablet experience.
The webOS operating system, which powers the HP TouchPad, offers a unique user experience with features like true multitasking, an intuitive interface, and seamless integration with other HP devices. Despite these advantages, the TouchPad struggled to gain significant market share at its original price point. The price reduction could make it a more attractive option for consumers who are looking for an alternative to the more established iOS and Android ecosystems.
Potential Impact on Sales and Market Position
The permanent price drop could potentially boost sales and improve HP’s market position. Lowering the price makes the TouchPad more accessible to a broader audience, including students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts who may have been hesitant to invest in a higher-priced tablet. Additionally, the reduced price could make the TouchPad an appealing option for businesses looking to deploy tablets for their employees without breaking the bank.
Moreover, the price reduction aligns with HP’s broader strategy to increase the adoption of webOS. By getting more TouchPads into the hands of consumers, HP can build a larger user base for webOS, which could, in turn, attract more developers to create apps for the platform. A robust app ecosystem is crucial for the success of any mobile operating system, and HP’s price cut could be a step towards achieving that goal.
The 32GB model’s price reduction to $499 also positions it competitively against other high-capacity tablets. Consumers who require more storage for apps, media, and documents might find the 32GB TouchPad to be a compelling option, especially at its new, lower price.
Hopefully, this price drop will be enough to get people interested in HP’s first webOS tablet and boost sales. The success of this strategy will depend on how well HP can market the TouchPad’s unique features and advantages over its competitors.
Source Cnet
Image Credit HP
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