On July 1st, HP TouchPad went on sale for $499 (16 GB) and $599 (32GB). Almost 50 days later, on August 18th, HP said it will discontinue webOS based TouchPad and Smartphones. HP TouchPad was hailed as an iPad killer but, well, let's not go there now. That doesn't mean it is not a good product. Overall, tech geek consensus is that the hardware is sub par compared to the powerful WebOS operating system. Nonetheless, it still gets the job done. No matter what you think of it, you should get the HP TouchPad before its gone for good.
Why? Because it's a steal.
At $99 a pop available at most retail stores like Best Buy, Staples and online at HP.com, TouchPad is definitely worth the price. I know, the question is, what's the point of buying a dead tablet. I like gadgets, especially cheap ones, that's my reason but let me explain a simple concept: you buy a computer, PC or Mac, use it for 2-3 years and then donate it, sell it or give it to someone and buy another computer that is updated with new bells and whistles. How about doing the same for a tablet? Instead of thinking about the long term ramifications of buying a dead breed, you can look at it as an opportunity to have something around the house that lets you check email, browse the web, play games, watch videos etc. Isn't that the whole point of a tablet? Who knows what's coming next.
You will be surprised as to what HP TouchPad has under the hood. 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB RAM, 1.3MP front-facing camera, and a 9.7-inch multi-touch display. You will have a WiFi enabled tablet that does almost everything that an iPad or Xoom can do but doesn't cost much, in fact, it's $99.
HP has said that it will offer support for WebOS, which is what you really need. Apart from that, there is a 12-month limited hardware warranty. Word is, there will be an Android capable TouchPad soon, and Android is not going away anywhere.
TouchPads are currently out of stock, I was little late, but I have been stalking HP's online store and will keep stalking it until I see "BUY NOW" sign. I also signed up to receive a notification by email when it is available. Consider following HP's social media manager Bryna Corcoran on Twitter, she is on top of this.
Were you able to get your hand on it? I would love to hear what you think about it...
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