My TouchPad Today: Not So Fast, HP!

Will I take advantage of HP's offer of $50 worth of free apps to early adopters of the TouchPad?... Of course, but don't expect it to make me an apologist for HP or to think I've been fully compensated for poor state of the TP as launched in July.

Just like last week's OTA update, HP has made a step in the right direction, but there's still "miles to go".

Let's take a closer look at HP's maneuver...

My first thought was that $50 in apps was good -- I'd rather get my cash back -- but it was a step in the right direction. HP, responding to a lot of bad PR, had to do something they didn't really want to do.

My second thought was maybe this was like a business deal or a baseball trade. If both sides are unhappy, maybe it was a good deal/trade.

Then, after a bit more thought I went... Hmmmm the "upside" on this is really weighted in HP's direction, not the customer's. Early adopters are still getting the "fuzzy end of the lollipop".

• HP's will get some good PR for their "generous" gesture... And maybe make some more TP sales as a result.
• HP won't lose $50 to each early adopter. I can almost guarantee you that not all eligible customers will take advantage (either full or partial) of the offer.
• App developers will make some bucks... No problem with that, but it shouldn't be leveraged toward exonerating or excusing HP for the condition of the TP as originally released.
• The early adopter customers most likely end up with $50 dollars (or less) of software and still won't have a device that has the software and functionality that HP should have baked in at the factory.

Not fair, HP.