HP's decision to kill WebOS tablet has broader ramifications

HP’s recent decision to kill off the WebOS tablet just a few days after its release in Australia and then following up with news it may exit the PC market, is certainly news for concern.

I’ve been a long time reseller of HP business equipment to my customers. They’ve been reliable suppliers and the equipment has been very reliable. In business you need long term reliable suppliers to help you help your customers. Right now I’d have to say everything has been turned on its head. Right now for me a question mark hangs over HP as a supplier and I’d have to say I’d no longer recommend them in preference to another supplier.

HP has in a short period of time gone from a preferred leading brand to an unknown quantity. In effect their actions have moved them from prime candidate to non recommendation. I personally think that is absolutely amazing and disappointing.

Even though it is stated in the press the printer division is safe as it is profitable, it really begs the question will it be the next to go. The only certainty with HP right now appears to be uncertainty, and that’s not good for the industry and those who rely on HP.

If the leading maker of personal computers worldwide pulls out of the PC market it is a concern. Everyone is talking about tablets but really they’re an additional item, and not a replacement for notebook computers and desktops. They represent a sliver of the computing market at least at this stage. Much of what I do with a computer I cannot do with a tablet and that is true of my clients.

The competitors must have grins from cheek to cheek. With the main player simply stepping aside for them I don’t think they’ll believe their luck.

For my clients I’ll certainly be reviewing the suppliers I recommend as my clients deserve to know the supplier they purchase from at least appears to be in the game for the long haul.

This is indeed a low spot for the computer industry.

Kelvin Eldridge
www.OnlineConnections.com.au
For assistance with your computers call Online Connections
In the IT business for over 20 years.