HP to make more TouchPads, but not for Australia

By Claire Connelly SURPRISE decision to make more tablets sets internet buzzing - but we won't be getting any.

HP TouchPad

COMPUTER giant HP has announced it will be manufacturing more of the TouchPad tablets which were sold off in a $99 fire sale, but Australians won't get any.

"To put a finer point on things, the limited quantity of TouchPads that will be made available will only be available in the US," a HP spokesperson told news.com.au this morning.

"The number of TouchPad units to be made is not immediately available. Commercial availability will be at least a few weeks out."

HP will continue to sell the next round of TouchPads at discounted rates. Prices will start at $US99 ($92) for the 16GB model

The decisions surrounding pricing have baffled some experts — it essentially means HP are losing hundreds of dollars per TouchPad.

HP is not commenting on the motivation for the pricing scheme.

"We are pleased by the response to webOS and the TouchPad," a different spokesperson told news.com.au.

"We are making this limited quantity available to meet the overwhelming demand for the TouchPad. Not commenting beyond that."

Ten days ago HP pulled its line of tablets, and announced it would be getting out of the consumer market altogether. The TouchPad had been on sale in Australia for just four days.

 Why the world's biggest PC maker pulled out of the race

Harvey Norman sold its remaining TouchPads for $99, and TouchPad accessories for half-price.

As of late last week, billboards advertising the TouchPad were still on display in central Sydney touting the original price of $599.

Picture: Charles Brewer