OfficeMax to stock TouchPad in July; Wal-Mart looks like a lock for June [exclusive] 40
When it rains, it pours. Following up on our exclusive Wal-Mart TouchPad distribution leak, we have the above internal document from OfficeMax pegging retail availability for the chain on July 17th. We'd say that would make us worry about the earlier-suggested early/mid June launch, but our tipster assures us that OfficeMax is often behind the curve when it comes to stocking tablets.
The OfficeMax document also suggests that the TouchPad will be available in both "3G and 4G" versions. While a 3G version is technically not a surprise since HP / Palm have listed that in the specs since launch day (though never tecnically announced it), the 4G is either a shockingly awesome new development or a mistake on OfficeMax's part or... yet another example of the slippery definition of "4G" on AT&T's network. webOS fans should stay tuned for more information, but then again, "staying tuned" is pretty much the default stance these days already.
Meanwhile, another Wal-Mart tipster went ahead and checked their system and sent us the screen you see at right. Although there's no date on the screen, yon tipster informs us that this particular inventory screen would show bupukiss unless the launch was imminent. It also confirms that the price for the 32g TouchPad will clock in at just under $600.
In other words: we feel very confident about three things. 1. Wal-Mart is planning for a June launch of the TouchPad. 2. OfficeMax is planning to stock it in July. 3. HP's large distribution network means that America's retail employees can take a break from the customer service slog to fling cards around to their hearts' delight.
Thanks anonymous x2!
40 Comments
Maybe not a new development. If there's an AT&T version then they'll call it "4G." Until we see WiMAX or LTE specifically listed, I'm not holding my breath.
Gah. That observation was supposed to be in the article - copied the wrong version here.. Re-adding, thanks for the comment =]
Well, in AT&T's defense, it was T-Mobile that started calling their network 4G first. AT&T did the only logical thing and do the same in order to not get hit to hard in the advertising department.
that's what kids say... "he started it, it's not my fault" to which you say "now AT&T, if T-Mobile were to jump off a bridge, would you do that, too?"
"Yes. Because if I didn't they'd run ads saying how I was a loser..."
And... actually it was Sprint who started calling WiMax 4G, while it wasn't.
Yes, I know that WiMax and LTE are supposed to be "more" 4G than HSPA+, but in this case all of the US-carriers are lying to their customers.
Good news. Put it everywhere.
Hope they get this around the globe not just in the US.
This is not a good news. It is a terrible news. It pretty much confirms the price tag, which will be the last nail in the TP's coffin. It also confirms that decision makers at HPalm have still their heads deep & firmly in their own arseholes.
$600 for a tablet that has the WORST specification in the mix. Equipped with WebOS that is known to general public for one thing only: "great, but no apps". No memory card, no rear-facing camera, no HDMI out (please, prove me wrong and include some sort of wireless video out), low-end screen resolution, heaviest, thickest, ugly-looking. For the price of iPad 2, that everyone wants, but not everyone can afford. Riiight.
Apple can afford insane prices: 'coz they are Apple, they have created and pretty much own the market, they are well into second generation of the device, they have behemoth of iPhone/iOS/iTunes/AppStore infrastructure behind them.
But even Android tablets cannot afford insane prices (talk to your pals from Motorola, HP, ask them how are they doing with XOOM sales. Bear in mind I was laughing at them all the way since I've heard the rumors about the XOOM's end price. Then go and talk to your Asus friends, about their Transformer, that they cannot manufacture/ship fast enough to supply the demand).
WebOS/TP can afford insane prices much less so.
Lessons learned from Android tablets: attractive price plus good specification is everything. Tablets have two selling points: one, being Apple. The other, being reasonable specified and attractively priced. TouchPad is none of the two.
So, this ain't going to fly, period. Your only (narrow) chance with TP is Enterprise, because in Consumers world, you are out of touch, clearly, and pretty much Dead on Arrive.
PS.
If you want to offer me a job as a "sanity consultant", HP, when you finish your post-mortem of TouchPad sales fiasco in a year time from now, I am open to your questions.
I agree...makes me hesitant to get the Pre3 I've been waiting for. After this endeavor fails HP might just say "eff it"
Are the Office Max/Walmart touch Pads on ATT or Sprint? Are the retailers also selling the Pre3?
I am going crazy waiting (two years this coming Friday)for something substantial beyond my Pre-minus!.......
the initial release of touchpads is going to be wifi only i am pretty sure. the carrier versions are going to be released afterwards.
Yeah, but this article say 3G & 4G in July @ OfficeMax. Wouldn't have 3 & 4G w/o a carrier would they?
Wal-Mart will usually follow the MSRP. They may discount it by a couple dollars, but they will generally price it the same as everyone else.
But at $66 profit each, if Wal Mart sells 1,000,000 of the things....
"(...)if Wal Mart sells 1,000,000 of the things...."
LOL, for $600, laying on the shelf next to iPad 2? Being priced & specced basically the same, but heavier, thicker, uglier, and worse of all, NOT being an iPad?
Fat chance!!!
Oh wait, it is "better", 'coz it has a "Flash" & "Multitasking"? But, but... Can't see how not having both has hurt iPad too much, can't see it will hurt it more now when people will have that "wonderful alternative" in the form of equally-priced TP.
That is soo ridiculous and out of touch, it is not even funny anymore.
Apple only offers 5% margins on their ipad. 12.7% may not be great but more incentive to sell the Touchpad.
"(...)may be (...) incentive to sell the Touchpad"
yeah, but tell me where's the incentive to BUY one??????? (there's not enough question marks on my keyboard)
"they must hope to make their margins on accessories."
Who, HP? Sure enough, the new Touchstone is priced so ridiculously high on top of that $600.
I wonder if those HP employees they hired through craigslist be in Walmart stores? I hope so b/c u can't count on walmart employees to promote the touchpad.
Yep, let's promote the hopes and dreams of HP with lowly temps...
NICE!!!
Wasn't the Pre3 supposed to be in LTE flavor too?
Nope, it was supposed to be in HSPA+ and Rev. A World-phone (3G only).
I'am going to pick up the good one with the HSPA+, it's alreay pre-ordered and should ship by June the 20th :)
I can't wait to start reading posts that say "I'm a launch-day Walmart TouchPad owner..."
That just sounds wrong...
I wonder how many will buy one then realize how stupid tablets are especially with no apps? I bet the return rate will be high.
Save your money for the Pre 3.
I've decided a 7" or 8" tablet will be better for me, so I can continue typing with my thumbs...
It appears Best Buy is in the mix too!!!
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/HP+Touchpad+Highlights/...
I do not think the launch is gonna be a small one.
Awesome, can't wait to hear a release date for Best Buy as I have a Best Buy credit card which I plan to use and get 18 months no intrest! Now if I could get the pre3 at the same time!
Thanks for the find.
I don't think any tablet launch except for Xoom has been a small one. But so far, no tablet buying audience except for the iPad audience has been anything BUT a small one.
where is the 16GB version? What are the chances thatthere won't be a 16GB version at launch?
hop target gets it too
I just walked through Walmart and office Max to see what Tablets were being offered. And there isnt a tablet around nobody is pushing tablets. HP is right where they need to be! I mean ive seen a bunch of Android Tablets online, but not in the market place. Which makes me wonder where is the competetion? Only IPAD 2 has a big push with and can be seen for availablity. So i think HP Touchpad will arive just in time.
Dude, try a Best Buy or Staples. There are a kazillion tablets at each. Same for Frys. They aren't selling in significant volumes.
The reason why these other manufacturers aren't hitting up Wal-Mart is because A)They don't have a significant supply chain relationship with them and B)Even if they did, it'd be a waste to sell their product alongside an iPad 2 at the same price.
I checked at OfficeMax yesterday. They were displaying the Xoom, Playbook, Acer and Galaxy Tab.
does anyone else get totally depressed as soon as they walk into an office max store? The whole place just feels lifeless.
Name the *only* tablet without a rear facing camera. In my opinion, not a big deal, but spec wise, its kinda fail.
...lack of rear-facing camera disables one of the coolest possible use cases & marketing "WOWs" for tablets/handhelds - Augmented Reality, in most possible kinds & flavors.
im still hoping they have quietly added the rear facing camera. i know hte newest leaked docs dont support that but there was that augmented reality video with the dad and kid and dinosaur wall paper.
Plus, the little animated video of the render on Best Buy's page turns at just the right speed to not show the part of the back where the camera would be.
....yeah, you are most certainly right. And I am still hoping that they have "quietly" made it smaller, lighter, thinner, added back the gesture area, HDMI and wireless video out, micro SD card slot (or two), IRDA (+TV remote app), incorporated higher resolution screen, cut the price of the new Touchstone in half and knocked two hundred bucks from the end price.
There's no shred of evidence to support that hope, but I am hoping, because I am a good Christian.
At least, I can still hope they will knock at least $100-$150 off the rumored price, that would be a nice sign of being sane, if not anything else..
Unless HP is going to provide retailers some type of rebate, that $600 price is pretty well set in stone.