Following the recent announcement from HP that it was ceasing and closing the production of its webOS hardware, the price of HP TouchPad tablets has now been slashed significantly. You can now pick up a 16GB model for just $99 from Best Buy, with the 32GB model in some stores being reduced to as little as $149.
Amazon in the UK has also reduced its prices, but not nearly as much. The HP TouchPad 32GB is now selling for £399, reduced from £422, while the 16GB version is now priced at £312.
Reasons Behind the Price Drop
The reason why Best Buy has dropped their stock so dramatically in price might be due to the amount of stock they are carrying, which was thought to be around 200,000 units just a week ago. This large inventory could be a result of overestimating the demand for the TouchPad, which faced stiff competition from other tablets like the iPad and various Android devices. If you are looking to pick up a bargain, you had better hurry as 200,000 tablets will surely go fast priced at just $99.
Impact on the Market
The drastic price reduction of the HP TouchPad has had a ripple effect on the tablet market. Consumers who were previously hesitant to invest in a tablet are now finding the reduced prices irresistible. This has led to a surge in demand, with many stores reporting that their stock is flying off the shelves. The $99 price point is particularly attractive to students and budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a capable device without breaking the bank.
Moreover, the price drop has also sparked discussions about the future of webOS. While HP has ceased production of webOS hardware, the operating system itself has garnered a loyal following. There are speculations that HP might license webOS to other manufacturers or even open-source it, allowing developers to continue innovating on the platform.
Comparisons with Other Tablets
When compared to other tablets in the market, the HP TouchPad offers a unique set of features that make it a compelling choice, especially at its new price point. The TouchPad comes with a 9.7-inch display, a 1.2 GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, and 1GB of RAM. It also features a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, making it suitable for video calls. While it may not have the app ecosystem of the iPad or the customization options of Android tablets, webOS offers a smooth and intuitive user experience.
For instance, the TouchPad’s card-based multitasking system allows users to easily switch between apps, and its Just Type feature enables quick searches and actions. These features, combined with the drastically reduced price, make the TouchPad an attractive option for those looking for a capable tablet without the premium price tag.
Future Prospects
As the HP TouchPad continues to sell out at its reduced prices, it raises questions about the future of HP’s involvement in the consumer electronics market. While the company has stated that it will focus more on software and services, the success of the TouchPad’s fire sale could potentially influence future decisions. There is also the possibility that other manufacturers might take note of the TouchPad’s success and consider similar pricing strategies for their own products.
The HP TouchPad’s price drop has created a unique opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality tablet at a fraction of its original cost. Whether this will lead to a resurgence in interest for webOS or influence future market strategies remains to be seen. For now, those looking for a bargain would do well to act quickly before the remaining stock is gone.
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