Deleted HP TouchPads get big money bids on TradeMe
An intriguing case of the market finding its level.
HP's WebOS tablet, the TouchPad, lasted just weeks before the computer giant axed the product.
A global firesale saw remaining units in the US ofloaded for $US99 - and here, on August 23 - for $115 (originally it sold for up to $949).
For some it was a steal - including, apparently, some Noel Leeming staff who snapped up their own stock while punters queued outside.
However, they were sold, some of the bargain-basement TouchPads are now appearing on TradeMe - and it's interesting to watch the market find its own level.
This morning - with minutes to go on its auction, bidding on one TouchPad had reached $450 on a 32GB model.
There were also multiple bids on TouchPads that had topped $300.
NBR's take: if you can find a cheap TouchPad, buy it.
Sure HP's TouchPad will never be upgraded (though HP may license its WebOS software to others).
But there are WebOS versions of some key apps, including the software version of Amazon's Kindle and (cough) Angry Birds, and its web browser supports Flash - meaning you can view web pages, and YouTube, with no broken links.
And, if nothing else, the TouchPad can serve as a glossy, high-def display for your photos and videos.
The situation in New Zealand is far from unique. Firesale TouchPads have also been all over eBay. In fact, demand has been so great that HP has decided to manufacture one final batch, according to a company blog post.
Industry scuttlebutt holds that Amazon will try to kick-start its coming Android tablet by selling it for $US300. If the TouchPad experience is anything to go by, that pricepoint would set the world on fire. Watch out, iPad.
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Chris Keall
Fri, 02 Sep 2011
Fri, 02 Sep 2011
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Deleted HP TouchPads get big money bids on TradeMe
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