HP says the TouchPad countdown has begun; must be operating outside of space and time 88
Tue, 17 May 2011 3:54 pm EDT 
HP just sent out an email through their Small and Medium Business channel advertising the upcoming release of the HP TouchPad webOS tablet, but we can’t help but scratch our heads at the big bold lettering: “The countdown has begun.” Has it now? Would you mind telling us what we’re counting down towards, because it’s awfully hard to count down to something when you don’t know what number we’re starting on.
On a side note, this is the most we’ve seen of the fabled folio-style TouchPad case, the one that Jon Rubinstein showed on the screen at Think Beyond and we have yet to see in person, but still folds in on itself and lets you charge with the special TouchPad Touchstone with the case still on.
Additionally, the TouchPad has taken up residence on HP.com, linking to a general info and sign-up page (plus some delightfully flowery language about how the TouchPad is “the breakthrough HP webOS user interface – fully realized in a tablet experience.” Of course, this and the page it links to only offer “coming soon” as the release timetable for the TouchPad. Lastly, we’ve gotten word that the TouchPad has also appeared on Best Buy’s website, but like all of the other pages, HP’s been quite good at avoiding spilling any additional beans. But given the low profile the TouchPad was running under before today, we’re starting to feel that the launch might be soon. You know, whenever “soon” is when you’re operating under a nonlinear definition of time.
88 Comments
Counting down to the date when we will tell you the release date...
nonononono... it's a countdown to "the coming months!"
The "coming months" joke is way over played. I'm sure it will be coming very soon. 3-6 weeks.
you're right, "in the coming months" IS way over played. That's why everyone is tired of hearing it from HPalm.
notice that at the Best Buy's touch pad page it still doesn't indicate battery life.... I guess they might be still working on tuning! Let's hope for the best that within the next month we could have our Pre3s and TouchPads.
and I just saw a flying pig...
I just checked with rep.. He told me to expect it to be ready for purchase mid next week......Now thts exciting!!!!
Say what!?! Next week! That is exciting!!
i wish man...but i doubt it
Counting down until mediocre sales start or not...
Counting down until dooms day...
Counting down until the day we realize that we should have had this ready to go months ago...
Counting down until ### number of WebOS fans are forced to leave the platform...
Yea the shroud of mystery no longer works for HP. Leaves to much open to interpretation!
coming soon = ~~ 999,999,999,999,999,999,999
Lets the count begin! :)
Sorry, but I believe you have just overflowed the integer. Which puts it negative, so we should've had the TouchPad since the prehistoric era.
So go dig it up then!
I like it! I bet coming soon is just a board room practical joke to see how long they can keep webos fans anxiously waiting!
Ouch. It would definitely help if they gave some kind of release date to countdown to.
At least is a great sign when combined with key developers getting Touchpads that it is coming *soon* - which I will guess is early June.
I hope the marketing is on track.
I just want to be able to preorder one already! Of course, for that they will have to post a price...
It feels like the only way we're going to find out the Touchpad has been released is when someone spots a burned-out tail rotor outside a Best Buy somewhere.
My WAG: Leo will officially announce release dates during the HP Discover event 6-10 June.
And I'll say it'll be released a week later.
Or, it could be released 06/09/2011, two-year Pre anniversary. That would be great.
couldn't agree more, i'm betting on the 6th as i was hoping they would announce release dates on the two year anniversary of the pre minus
No offense to HP but I've about had it with their teasers and whatnot. Loyal to Palm smart phones since 2004, I think I've had the patience of Job. I've had their back even when my Pre is sitting out there naked with no support whatsoever. Finally I'm starting to crack and I'm an inch away from going Android. HP needs to flop it out on the table and say "Here's the plan, ladies and gents".
lol flop it out on the table for ladies and gents
I only flop it out for the ladies...
heh.. "nonlinear definition of time"
Not surprising since they are focusing more on an Enterprise approach vs individual approach that they are initially contacting their Small and Medium Business channel. I hope they are able to use their partnerships to leverage higher exposures that translate to sales (based on earlier article of past quarters results). Given they are targeting Enterprise purchasing, I really hope they have more than a placeholder for document editing by launch date! Excited to see what types of productivity applications they are going to have.
Eh... I'm a huge WebOs fan but I have to be honest. I am slowly losing hope here. It's been two yrs since a lot of us have seen anything concrete happening. The Veer was like a classic joke (Veer on the 15th... Sike!) Haha
Come on HP I want to spend my money on your products! Help me Help you!! Haha
I'm a longtime fan - VisorPhone owner...
I want to repent. I believed in the Veer. I believed that HP's marketing machine would be out there and pushing it to its core market. I still believe that there is a very good market for it.
However, where is the marketing? I haven't seen any commercials.
Where is the visibility? I went to AT&T's Wireless' home page and they are focused on four things THAT AREN'T THE VEER:
1) iPhone 4 in white
2) Free Phones (none in particular focus)
3) iPad 2 (Wow - not even a phone... REALLY?!?!)
4) iPhone 3GS (at $49)
That's 3 of 4 pushing Apple products and the other being a generic focus of the company.
This is the company (AT&T) that HP chose to exclusively release their first webOS form factor phone in a shade less than 2 years.
Ouch. I don't mean to say that I don't believe and I don't want to be called a troll with extensive history in this community. However, it is time to see HP go "all-in" as they have said that they would time and time again.
All or nothing! There is no sense in getting developer support if there are no end users to purchase these apps! All for not if you ask me! HP needs to put that money to work and get 'er done!
Next Week!
from my sales chat with HP today...
Guest: when can I buy this?
HP: We expect it within a week.
U kidding... right?
Umm, citation needed.
I had a similar conversation, but the Tech referred me to their toll-free number 1.800.888.5858 option 1. She said she didn't want to give me any mis-information. Unfortunately, i'm in Canada, and that number won't work from here. Shoot!
I had a similar chat with a slightly different timeframe, but close enough :D
Guest: When can we expect the HP TouchPad? I received an email stating "The Countdown has Begun" but no date or timeframe was mentioned.
*****: I appreciate your interest in HP TouchPad.
*****: Officially we don't have any information on the release date and would hate to misguide you..
*****: However..
*****: I believe it will at first week of next month.
That's the Touchpad I want, the "most awaiting model".
This is thin gruel, indeed.
And I might not even buy right away, but rather wait to see if there's a price crash or if tethering is made free.
Oh, did I mention I'm not getting anything until I can get this AND the Pre 3?
I mean really, at this point I might wait almost forever...
You guys are ridiculous. HP blew it by announcing this thing months ago, and we all (rightly) called them on it--"don't announce six months before you deliver". And we've also bemoaned the fact that they don't market or launch with enough fanfare.
So now we're probably within six weeks of the release, and they're advertising it, and almost every comment is moaning about it? This is the marketing campaign we've waited for! I for one was really excited to get this email.
There is a large contingent of people on this board who would whine if HP walked on water, saved the world, and invented the holodeck. It's truly ludicrous.
Completely agree. I got this email as well (mentioning it in a comment to a different post), and I think it was wonderful news. I understand that it can be frustrating as a consumer because we don't want to wait. But just sit back and think about that - Shouldn't you want to be making something of such quality and interest that a group of people, like us in this forum, are eagerly waiting for it and wishing it was out already. I mean, that in and of itself, says something about the caliber of the product. If the product wasn't amazing, no one would care and we wouldn't be upset that it isn't out this second.
Anyway - I am very excited. I just hope that HP effectively gets the larger populous excited since I know that we are a small group of loyalists here. The idea is to spread the word, and I think I'd like to see even more advertising.
Here's hoping my next employer supports WebOS! *crosses fingers*
+10000
Sweet! I've aready forwarded this "countdown notice" to my IT folks in my company!!
no not kidding suppose to be emailing me more info
Pre 3 too please... both were for the summer.
This is very good news, but the competitive advantage that the Touchpad has with touch-to-share will not be there if the Pre3 is not launched at the same time. Also agree that it MUST have document editing incorporated to stand any chance out of the gate for enterprise (large, medium or small) sales.
Still, good to hear that the date seems like its on the early side on summer rather than late.
HP: "Stand right here in the woods... hold this bag... I'll go back and wait for you... soon, when it gets dark, you will see WebOS devices running out of the bush and you use your bag to snatch one up"
WebOS Fan: "Really? Last time, you left me here and I never saw a WebOS phone all night"
HP: "I'm sorry. It couldn't be helped but this time a WebOS phone will be here really I promise and it will be the new HP Snipe model too..."
-----------------------------------
"must be operating outside of space and time"... Wow Derek that's really snarky. Good to know I'm not the only one fed up with HP.
99 bottles of beer on the wall...99 bottles of beer....
I'll take this as some good news. Granted, it is silly to say that a countdown is going on while not revealing what we're counting too. Still, the message seems to be that it's coming soon. After the day HP had today, any news not related to their plummeting stock is good news. Can't wait to get my Touchpad and Pre 3. Just hope my shares of HP recover so I can afford them.
What HP should do is release like a 5 second teaser video that shows a button or something. Then order a couple of SUV's wrapped with TP images. Then, sneak them into retail stores without displays, ensuring that sales employees have no idea of their availability. Preferably, launch on a day when the entire store is distracted by another launch.
That would be an awesome stealth launch.
Wait... isnt that what happened with the Pre2?
That would be the most Epic launch ever!! They'd sell dozens!!
Epic launch ever OR Epic veer launch? :-O
LOL @ dozens :-)
re: must have document editing -
"In addition, webOS allows you to work with Microsoft® Office files. No complications, no barriers. Just a seamless flow from one business tool to the next."
from the email
... without forgetting OneNote files.
It will be handy especially with my Palm 3.
Countdown to the coming weeks
1÷0
Was hands on with a TouchPad for a brief couple of minutes yesterday and didn't get a lick of sleep last night dreaming of the day I will have one of my own. The device is truly delightful. Beautiful design and body, crystal clear screen and ridiculously responsive. Please let it arrive within the next couple of weeks.
I'm betting on June 6
What a joke.
Hey, HP...you know what countdown has begun? The countdown to the day that I buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which will be June 8th. The reviews of the units passed out at Google IO are stellar...as are the reviews of Samsung's next gen of dual core phones hitting the streets.
I cannot believe that I thought the HP acquisition of Palm would be a kick in the butt and get that group back on a competitive product-to-market timeline.
the initial reviews for the initial Samsung Galaxy tab were stellar, too.
Then everyone found out that you couldn't upgrade the OS, and it didn't run flash. Makes a pretty good overpriced e-reader though.
I know a couple of guys that bought it, and then tried getting rid of some of the **** apps they didn't want. Samsung's answer: tough.
They said it's ok, a little buggy, and wish they'd just gone ahead with an iPad.
Can't upgared OS? Wrong:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/samsung-galaxy-tab-2-3-3-gingerbread-...
My HP rep said "Unfortunately there has been no announced release date for the TouchPad it should be available within the next two months hopefully sooner. I apologize I cannot be more specific, however the web site will be the most up to date source for released products it is usually updated before the agents. The information for the Pre3 is even harder to get and has not been discussed as to which carrier it will be released with although I would guess we will release an unlocked version first and select a carrier after this. I would expect an unlocked version first but that is just my opinion. If not an unlocked version than AT&T or Verizon would be the choices I believe."
I agree that it's silly to say "the countdown has begun" but without any new information or any indication of what we're counting down to.
I'm a bit encouraged by the responses others have received from HP with regard to the email today but I'm not holding my breath. I predict that we'll at least hear something more concrete on the TouchPad by 6/6/2011.
I don't know if HP could play this any worse than they already are. Frankly, it's embarrassing.
Sweet Beetle Juice! I had no idea that HP was making munchkin commando armies! Where's the waiting list to sign up for one on the release date?!
IMO, I think saying the countdown has begun with no ticker or actual release data is salt to the "In the coming months" wound. Are they trying to keep the competition guessing?
rep told me next week......
same here, but I was asking about pre-order. He said "expect middle of next week".
Can you feel the frustration? I feel a lot of frustration here!
"Nonlinear definition of time"
I guess someone's been reading some quantum mechanics...
42 is the answer. I'm not really sure what the question is, however.
I feel violated, but I'm hanging in there for the TouchPad. WebOS is going to be amazing on a tablet, with or without a companion WebOS Phone.
Actually, anything to get the Veer off everyone's mind is a plus.
countdowns start at 10.
I am so sick of my sprint pre, I am on my 7th pre since September of 09, I love webos simply because it is easy to use but with no apps it is just pure garbage. That's why I took the time to learn iOS and I love it. New apps are always developed and I am always hooked to my iPod Touch. I can honestly say that I have tried to remain faithful to WebOS but now I just can't. Now, I know that HP has nothing to do with the fact that the Palm Pre is a piece of cheap plastic, but they have just taken so long to release this TouchPad, that is has just become a joke. I am just waiting to see if the EVO 3D lives up to everyone's expectations or if the CNN report stating that the IPHONE is coming to SPRINT, then I will not have any problems waiting a little longer to buy one!
What is that cover looking thing? Now that I want!
HP is fking with my head and my mind with this "coming soon" bs....I cant take it anymore
Countdown could be 2 weeks which is May 31 which is day AllthingsD conference is starting. Leo is scheduled to speak. Conference runs through June 2 but perhaps he speaks May 31.
I understand the need for getting products out sooner for competition, but I rather they release their ideal version of the products than a weak, watered version for the sake of pacifying our impatient consumer appetite. I'm eager to see how WebOS performs for the next half of the year. I look forward to WebOS' evolution. Count me in as excited!
Everyone knows but Precentral in June.. End of this Video the CEO says so, it's middle of May so Next month ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA4Jk_-iWvE
I went into the AT&T store yesterday. and no lie, I asked one of the reps to see what the "Veer". he said the what?, I said the "Veer", he said the what? he said that two more times until one of his colleagues said its that one in the corner over there. No one cared about the poor phone. it was on display and it wasnt even charged. I was there looking at it and he came around and said why dont you look at this other phone we just got in (i forget which it was but it was a slab). I said I dont like andriod and he looked at me like I was crazy.
bottom line is
HP step your game up. Stop making wrong decisions
Whoa... you don't like Android? That's un-American.
Right?
Me too. At my AT&T store they called it the Little Pre and basically said the Pre didn't sell, so this won't sell. Even though I was definitely interested in checking it out they just walked away instead of showing me the phones and explaining its positive qualities.
HP should I 100 of us devoted WebOs fans and give them $100 each to go shop their local stores. They would get some very interesting feedback, well worth the investment.
Somehow HP needs to turn these carriers.
Sounds just like the "launches" of the Pre plus and Pre2.
I just hope the CNN report saying that the iPhone 4S might be coming to sprint this fall is true because I am so tired of this "COMING SOON" joke.
iOS may not be the easiest to use but it is a million years ahead of WebOS.
Hmm Smells like a Trolls looks like a Troll, must be a duck..
What did you do with the REAL Derek Kessler? You know, the one who wrote this smiley-face, happy-happy piece just a few days ago: http://www.precentral.net/sprint-get-pre-3-after-all-rumor-and-speculation. Or is THIS the real Derek Kessler, in which case, who was that imposter a few days ago?
I wonder how many sales HP lost to apple only because their tablet is not released yet.
I know I purchased 2 ipads as birthday gifts for family. I prefer they use webos, but birthday's don't delay.
This sound like an UNIVISION announcer of a soap opera, they usually says "...IN THE LAST CHAPTERS ..." an then you know it still like another 200 chapters remaining.
There was a meeting in AZ for Best Buy GMs and part of the week long stay were hands-on demos on all the latest tablets along with all the reps to go along with them. It's been stated TouchPad will be available in early June.
Though I have to say the Pre 3 is where it's at for me... would be nice to get some info on that beast.
To those who think the rep meant the touchpad will be available next week, read again what (s)he said:
"***: Yes, the "HP Touchpad" is the most awaiting model. But, unfortunately, we do not have any official information on the releasing / orderable date. However, it is been expected to be available at the end of May".
What's going to be available at the end of May is the official information on the "releasing/orderable date"(sic).
Too late for me anyways, I already got my honeycomb tablet.
its like they say, too late. The market its full.But with HP fans maybe they can lead the marketing among clients. Next month june 6th. I will be waiting
Is that little white line in the bezel at the bottom a gesture area?