$149 for a Touchpad if you sign up as a developer(developer.palm.com)
developer.palm.com
$149 for a Touchpad if you sign up as a developer
https://developer.palm.com/content/resources/develop/developer_device_program.html
104 comments
It's funny how the title reads as:
"[THEY WILL GIVE YOU] $149 for a Touchpad if you sign up as a developer [THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY JUST TAKE IN CASH]."
When the reality is: "This Touchpad costs $149 if you go through a bunch of complicated forms, give away your info.. oh, and in reality, it costs like a lot less than $149 even so we'll still be making a shitload of money from it."
"[THEY WILL GIVE YOU] $149 for a Touchpad if you sign up as a developer [THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY JUST TAKE IN CASH]."
When the reality is: "This Touchpad costs $149 if you go through a bunch of complicated forms, give away your info.. oh, and in reality, it costs like a lot less than $149 even so we'll still be making a shitload of money from it."
Given the indecision of the HP board as of late, how can they expect developers to make any significant effort to develop for their platform?
According to Palm Developer relations, because there's money to be made on an uncrowded platform. There are plenty of existing TouchPad owners thanks to the firesale, and those that use their devices are willing to pay to improve their experience (since the experience won't likely be improved by HP themselves long-term). And you might have more success short-term by selling smaller apps on the Palm Marketplace than you would fighting for space in Android's.
Am I the only person to think that this is a patently ridiculous line of thinking?
I've talked in 2002 or 2003 to a guy who was still developing fro BeOS at the time. Better have a near monopoly on an uncommon OS than be some invisible me-too :)
The question is: is there a profitable long-term market in the Touchpad?
Who actually bought the device? Corporations who will commit to long term usage (I doubt it) or tech nerds who will flash the device to run Android (leading to a different, well-populated market) or tech nerds who will use the device as is (and abandon it in a year or two)?
Honestly, this sounds like very short-term thinking on the part of Palm.
Who actually bought the device? Corporations who will commit to long term usage (I doubt it) or tech nerds who will flash the device to run Android (leading to a different, well-populated market) or tech nerds who will use the device as is (and abandon it in a year or two)?
Honestly, this sounds like very short-term thinking on the part of Palm.
I bought the device because I honestly believe that WebOS is an interesting take on a tablet OS (and I like it much better over Android). However I will not be purchasing any apps on the device. I use it strictly as an eReader.
When it comes to app sales, does it really have to be stable long-term? I thought app development was already generally a short-term gambit anyway.
Someone at work bought two, one each for his under 6-year old sons so they wouldn't fight over them. Don't see that as a long-term market.
[deleted]
Not necessarily. At least a couple of devs I personally know have made more money on WebOS than Android (none of them developed for iOS so no idea about that).
And add to that how much more enjoyable it is to develop for WebOS and you get a winner.
I'd bet US$150 on that.
I'd bet US$150 on that.
There are at least 4 million devices....
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApB67S7ETz4WdHd...
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApB67S7ETz4WdHd...
This is actually not a bad plan on Palm's part. Probably the only last-ditch plan I've seen that has a shot of working.
Great ... I can't register for a developer account because I'm from Slovenia. Guess it's time to move to Somalia so I'll be able to register :\
Don't be too disappointed, but the page only mentions developers from North America and Europe can get a coupon.
That means Somalia would be out, too.
Now why can't Australian developers have coupons, too?
US, UK, Canada, but not Australia?
That means Somalia would be out, too.
Now why can't Australian developers have coupons, too?
US, UK, Canada, but not Australia?
Still ... Slovenia is in Europe :)
Only until the next referendum ;)
Again replying here (what's up with that?!) ...
oh ok then :) no offence was taken I just wanted to point out that Europe is not the same as European Union :)
oh ok then :) no offence was taken I just wanted to point out that Europe is not the same as European Union :)
Again replying here (what's up with that?!) ...
If you don't see a reply link under the comment, click on "link" next to the "n minutes ago" text at the top, and you be take to a form where you can reply directly to that comment.
If you don't see a reply link under the comment, click on "link" next to the "n minutes ago" text at the top, and you be take to a form where you can reply directly to that comment.
God, why do ya'll care? These tablets aren't even worth the $149. Buy a cheap, shitty Android tablet for $100 and you'll be just as frustrated, but have a device that's mildly useful.
Have you ever even tried the Touchpad? The hardware alone is worth at least that much. WebOS is a great operating system. If you don't like it, put CM7 on it.
Don't be so ignorant. I bought one for my parents at 149.99 and they love it. I probably would have bought one for myself as well had I felt the need for a tablet.
Don't be so ignorant. I bought one for my parents at 149.99 and they love it. I probably would have bought one for myself as well had I felt the need for a tablet.
Why buy this tablet for $150? Perhaps because it is the best hardware you can get in a tablet for that price, WebOS is actually pretty nice, and you can install something else on it if you don't like it (currently Android or GNU/Linux).
cyanogenmod for Touchpad: http://rootzwiki.com/topic/3477-releasealpha2discussion-cyan...
I'm replying here because I can't reply to your last comment ...
I have no idea what you are on about, care to explain?
I have no idea what you are on about, care to explain?
It was just a light-hearted reference to how disfunctional European political leadership in general is right now.
It wasn't intended as a slight against Slovenia in any way (and if you took it that way, please accept my apologies).
It wasn't intended as a slight against Slovenia in any way (and if you took it that way, please accept my apologies).
fyi Slovenia IS in Europe
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Blackberry gave away Playbooks to anyone who developed an app for it, which resulted in a lot of "developers" who produced low-quality, minimally useful apps.
Is there some quality control that will limit who counts as a developer for the TouchPad? If not, I expect this will have a similar result. And really, even if they get real mobile developers, it may result in some half-hearted ports unless it becomes clear at some point that the platform has some kind of future.
Is there some quality control that will limit who counts as a developer for the TouchPad? If not, I expect this will have a similar result. And really, even if they get real mobile developers, it may result in some half-hearted ports unless it becomes clear at some point that the platform has some kind of future.
The difference between free and $150 might be enough to prevent a good chunk of those apps.
They should recast the program to send out the tablets as loaners, then forgive the debt for the developers who make actually decent apps. A curated giveaway.
And how exactly would you define a "decent app" in a way that wouldn't be absurd or totally not useful and wouldn't give you ton of grief if a developer tried to challenge your decision? It's essentially the iOS App Store problem except you're mailing around physical hardware to boot.
I have no idea, I'm not a developer-relations or product manager. I'm sure something relatively fair could be thought up, though. I'm not pessimistic about that, and someone is going to complain no matter what, so I think as long as you tell everybody up front what the rubric is, that static can be minimized.
I suppose you could do it based on downloads and reviews by requiring that a certain download limit be reached at a certain star level?
"So what does the TouchPad cost to build? The teardown by iSuppli pegs the cost of the components used in the 16 gigabyte version, which sells for $499 at retail, at $306.65. Meanwhile, the 32GB version, which sells for $599, costs $328.65 to build. (The difference, obviously, is memory.)"
http://allthingsd.com/20110703/hps-touchpad-teardown-its-dee...
http://allthingsd.com/20110703/hps-touchpad-teardown-its-dee...
HP seems to have no mandatory development requirements, meaning a development such as with the Playbook is somewhat unlikely. Also I suspect that RIM wanted to push with this move more the market'ability of their devices in regards to to the availability of apps and developers than to have actually useful apps produced.
Palm and then HP has a very long history of giving cheap and heavily discounted devices to developers for development purposes. I've been registered as a developer since, 2003 or 4, and it was common practice with the Treos.
Well, there are a lot of crappy apps in the catalog already.
From the looks of it, your TaxID number.
I already got my touchpad (running android now) during the fire sale but this is awesome for anyone who missed it.
Anyone know much it costs to sign up as a developer though to get this deal? It says you need paypal so I'm guessing there is a cost but it doesn't actually list how much it is until you sign up.
Anyone know much it costs to sign up as a developer though to get this deal? It says you need paypal so I'm guessing there is a cost but it doesn't actually list how much it is until you sign up.
There are 2 types of developer accounts. One is free and one is $99. I think you have to have the $99 account to put your apps in the catalog, but the other account gives you access to all the tools and dev resources.
Side note, how is your touchpad's battery life? Mine surprisingly sucked.
Side note, how is your touchpad's battery life? Mine surprisingly sucked.
Both account types are free, and have always been free for webOS.
https://developer.palm.com/index.php?option=com_user&vie...
There is no fee required to distribute in the catalog, for either a paid or free app.
https://developer.palm.com/index.php?option=com_user&vie...
There is no fee required to distribute in the catalog, for either a paid or free app.
Oh my mistake, I was thinking about the developer/community memberships here: https://developer.palm.com/index.php?option=com_register&...
You'll notice a Community Membership doesn't mention anything about application submissions. Developer Memberships allow you to...
* Enroll in the webOS Developer program ($99/year; covers up to xx application submissions)
* Submit you webOS application(s) for review and approval by Palm
* Upon approval, your application(s) will be signed to verify its status as Palm approved
* Your signed application(s) will be listed in the HP webOS Application Catalog
You'll notice a Community Membership doesn't mention anything about application submissions. Developer Memberships allow you to...
* Enroll in the webOS Developer program ($99/year; covers up to xx application submissions)
* Submit you webOS application(s) for review and approval by Palm
* Upon approval, your application(s) will be signed to verify its status as Palm approved
* Your signed application(s) will be listed in the HP webOS Application Catalog
The reference to "$99/year; covers up to xx application submissions" is clearly wrong. "xx" as the number of submissions might be the clue.
If you click thru to signup it reads:
Benefits of a Developer Account - Develop, distribute & manage your apps - Download the SDK - Get documentation, contribute on the forums - Free - annual fee waived for a limited time - Always free for Open Source Developers
"limited time" here being ... always. Its always been that way and there is no sign its going to change.
If you click thru to signup it reads:
Benefits of a Developer Account - Develop, distribute & manage your apps - Download the SDK - Get documentation, contribute on the forums - Free - annual fee waived for a limited time - Always free for Open Source Developers
"limited time" here being ... always. Its always been that way and there is no sign its going to change.
I imagine they require the developer account type for the device program, right? That's what the vocabulary on the page seems to imply -- I'm going to try to get the coupon with with a basic account first, but I expect they'll just tell me to upgrade to the developer account type.
Free at the moment, they say they have waved their fees for the time being, which is unsurprising given the state of WebOS
They seem to be sold out in UK and US online stores at the moment though.
Yeah I'm interested to know how this works too. Because according to the link, HP give you a discount coupon, but where do we use the coupon?
Terms and conditions: "Coupon codes are not valid anywhere but the HP online store, and may not be used for any products intended for resale or OEM activity as defined by HP, on employee purchase programs, retroactively on previously purchased items, or for cash redemption."
Maybe I'm dumb. Well, I'm definitely dumb. But where the heck to I go to buy this thing? Can't find where on the HP site to do so.
Here's what HP emailed me on October 28th: "As you signed up for updates on the HP TouchPad, we wanted you to know that we are officially out of stock. Some retailers will have some stock available, but our online inventory is depleted."
I would assume the "coupon" is actually a private link to the HP store with a promo code associated with it. The promo code decays after it is used for a single purchase.
This seems like a really clunky way to do things. I have to a) create an account if I haven't already b) send an email and c) somehow redeem that coupon.
They already have my PayPal info...why not set up the program to integrate with my developer account so that I can click a link there to make the purchase.
I wonder if this inefficient process is indicative of how HP operates; if so it's pretty clear why they're on the ropes.
They already have my PayPal info...why not set up the program to integrate with my developer account so that I can click a link there to make the purchase.
I wonder if this inefficient process is indicative of how HP operates; if so it's pretty clear why they're on the ropes.
Alternatively, it just may be another barrier so that they get more committed developers rather than people that know the word developer and want a cheap Touchpad.
Like me.
The fine print on that page says:
"Coupon codes are not valid anywhere but the HP online store"
"Coupon codes are not valid anywhere but the HP online store"
Right. Read that. But where in the HP online store is there a "buy now" button? I can buy all kinds of accessories, but no touchpad.
Remember, I'm dumb. I mean, I write PHP, fergawdsakes. I'm going to have to be led by the hand here.
Remember, I'm dumb. I mean, I write PHP, fergawdsakes. I'm going to have to be led by the hand here.
Good point.
I went to their web store http://www.shopping.hp.com and searched for "touchpad" but all I found for sale were accessories: cases, stands, cables, etc.
Maybe this coupon signup is some kind of marketing survey, to help HP decide what to do with the touchpad.
I went to their web store http://www.shopping.hp.com and searched for "touchpad" but all I found for sale were accessories: cases, stands, cables, etc.
Maybe this coupon signup is some kind of marketing survey, to help HP decide what to do with the touchpad.
It feels like that, doesn't it. I had the same thought going through the clunky process to try to make this happen.
WebOS is a hell of a platform; it's a damn shame it's probably going to die on the vine.
WebOS is a hell of a platform; it's a damn shame it's probably going to die on the vine.
[deleted]
Probably won't see it any time soon on the store: http://twitter.com/#!/BrynaAtHP/status/132202507966496768
You have to send an email including your developer user name to request a coupon.
You have to send an email including your developer user name to request a coupon.
I had some hassle filling in the final part of the registration form with my company details, this might help if you're have the same problems:
If you're in the UK and registering with your Limited company, you need to put your company name in the "Tax Identification Number" field, and your VAT number in the "Registration Number" field (if you're registered for VAT, obviously.)
If you're not sure what your VAT number is internationally, you can check it here: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?select...
For the UK, you have to put "GB " in front of your VAT number.
If you're in the UK and registering with your Limited company, you need to put your company name in the "Tax Identification Number" field, and your VAT number in the "Registration Number" field (if you're registered for VAT, obviously.)
If you're not sure what your VAT number is internationally, you can check it here: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/vieshome.do?select...
For the UK, you have to put "GB " in front of your VAT number.
"You will use your PayPal account to pay HP for things like PayPal Account update fees and annual developer membership fees (free for a limited time)."
I'm signing up now but will likely cancel just to avoid any big charges in the future.
I'm signing up now but will likely cancel just to avoid any big charges in the future.
Now semi off topic, aren't they killing webos? Why would you still want to become a developer? The $150 price is a good deal though...
So are they still making a loss at that price? iSuppli seems to think so, they estimate about USD 300 in costs per Touchpad. But if that's true, why did they resume production in late August? And now a developer program for a EOL platform? It all seems sort of bizarre.
This is a musing of mine, so it may be completely wrong.
HP most likely "resumed production" so that they could clear out any remaining stock. I can imagine that they had warehouses full of parts that were just not put together yet and had already paid suppliers for. These would have been written off and either sold back to the vendor or been destroyed. Also, it is entirely possible that HP had a contract with their manufacturer for a certain time period and if they broke that contract they would be out X where X is bigger than Y which is the amount it would cost to build and ship these devices at a loss.
This isn't the first time that I've seen a company do a "last run" to clear out the remaining parts before shutting down a product for good.
HP most likely "resumed production" so that they could clear out any remaining stock. I can imagine that they had warehouses full of parts that were just not put together yet and had already paid suppliers for. These would have been written off and either sold back to the vendor or been destroyed. Also, it is entirely possible that HP had a contract with their manufacturer for a certain time period and if they broke that contract they would be out X where X is bigger than Y which is the amount it would cost to build and ship these devices at a loss.
This isn't the first time that I've seen a company do a "last run" to clear out the remaining parts before shutting down a product for good.
[deleted]
I clicked the [email protected] link, and it apparently executes some javascript to unencrypt the actual email address you're supposed to email.
It didn't work, though. I tried Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. I just emailed [email protected] directly -- anyone have any insight into this? I see no errors in my Javascript console, but when I paste the JS call in directly into the console, the return value is undefined.
It didn't work, though. I tried Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. I just emailed [email protected] directly -- anyone have any insight into this? I see no errors in my Javascript console, but when I paste the JS call in directly into the console, the return value is undefined.
The JavaScript turns it into the address "mailto:[email protected]?subject=Developer%20Device%20Program%20NA%20TouchPad" (the same email address, but auto-sets the Subject line). It then immediately sets the page location to this link, and the function returns nothing (aka undefined) which should trigger the browser to do what it would ordinarily do when you click an email link but with the revised address.
It seems to execute a mailto to the same email address with a subject of "Developer Device Program NA TouchPad"
May be available to Canadians, but you appear to need a 'tax identification number' from the IRS to open the account.
"Form W-8BEN should be completed by all Non-US developers planning to make their applications available for sale to US customers/end-users. The form and instructions may be found at the following IRS website ...."
Fortunately the form accepted '-' as a 'valid' number ... we'll see if they try and validate it later.
"Form W-8BEN should be completed by all Non-US developers planning to make their applications available for sale to US customers/end-users. The form and instructions may be found at the following IRS website ...."
Fortunately the form accepted '-' as a 'valid' number ... we'll see if they try and validate it later.
I'm a Canadian developer and it was no problem getting one of those from the IRS. In fact, I did it over the phone. It was surprisingly painless.
My concern is what I'd be signing up for by having one -- does it mean I need to file some US tax paperwork annually even if there is no income?
Good question. I haven't filled out any paperwork in 2 years since I haven't had any US income to declare. I got it done for the iOS App Store -- not sure if Apple does that paperwork for devs (since it acts like a sales agent).
see: https://developer.palm.com/content/resources/develop/faq.htm...
Q: I’m a non-US developer and trying to register for a Developer Account. Do I need a U.S. taxpayer ID? A: If you have a US taxpayer ID, please use this number. If you only have a foreign tax ID number you can enter your foreign tax ID number in the Tax Identification Number field.
i.e. For a Canadian individual (like me), you can use your SIN, if you want. Or use gibberish and figure it out later if there are any problems.
Q: I’m a non-US developer and trying to register for a Developer Account. Do I need a U.S. taxpayer ID? A: If you have a US taxpayer ID, please use this number. If you only have a foreign tax ID number you can enter your foreign tax ID number in the Tax Identification Number field.
i.e. For a Canadian individual (like me), you can use your SIN, if you want. Or use gibberish and figure it out later if there are any problems.
Going to be really difficult for Palm to compete in the tablet market given their industry instability. They contacted us about getting our game onto an HP TouchPad -- then promptly announced their discontinuation (???).
Plus, Google has already given me a free Galaxy Tab (for attending Google I/O). Among that and my iPad, it's pretty easy to guess which I'll be hacking on.
Plus, Google has already given me a free Galaxy Tab (for attending Google I/O). Among that and my iPad, it's pretty easy to guess which I'll be hacking on.
Registered developers in the US, Canada, and Europe will be able to purchase up to two TouchPads at a discount while supplies last.
No love for developers in Australia, New Zealand
No love for developers in Australia, New Zealand
This is, at the very least, and opportunity for arbitrage.
Hm, you can only register as a developer if you have a Paypal account - and the Paypal page you are directed to does not work.
Well, perhaps it is for the best, given Paypal's history.
The thing that makes me hesitant about this is that it requires a paypal account.
Has anyone emailed them for a coupon? And if so, has anyone heard back from HP yet?
Looking at the page for the new TonidoPlug2, I wonder if the $150 HP Touchpad could be used as a server?
I sent a request with my developer account name in the email body, but haven't received a coupon yet. Or is this some kind of lottery again?