The WebOS debacle that is happening at HP has resulted in more good news and some bad news for customers. First the good news is that, The $99 HP TouchPad isn’t the only amazing deal coming out of HP’s fire sale on WebOS devices. The HP’s highly anticipated flagship smartphone Pre 3’s will be priced for just $75 for unlocked version in UK and France. One have to agree it is sweet deal considering the current cost (which is 349 Euros ($505) in France and 299 pounds ($490) in the U.K.) and hardware specification of the HP Pre 3. Now the bad news is that, as HP is shutting down WebOS means you will get no support for the phone. You keep what you bought no upgrade no patches. Also HP has decided to cancel Pre 3’s US Launch, so the only way you can get the phone is to buy it from UK or France.
The Pre 3 is a slider phone running on webOS, sporting the largest keyboard amongst any of the Pre line smart phones. Powered by a 1.4 GHz Qualcomm processor, it features a 3.6″ 480×800 multi-touch display. A 5 MP rear camera with image stabilization, auto-focus, and LED flash is also present along with a front facing VGA camera. The phone will work on 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz 3G bands, in addition to quad band for 2G.
Note for those who want to use this phone in US, the unlocked device will work to some extent on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks. The Pre 3 can hit both carriers’ 2.5G EDGE networks. For 3G bands, though, it has 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz. AT&T users need 850 and 1900 for full coverage, so they’ll get limited 3G. T-Mobile users need 1700 MHz, so they’ll be stuck on EDGE.
HP’s Palm Euro Store is now reporting, “We have temporarily stopped taking orders against this SKU. A price reduction is expected to be announced in the next 18 to 24 hours. This price reduction will apply to a Pre 3 Bundle which will include a number of accessories. This is a limited time offer while stocks last.”
Earlier, HP had offered to sell the doomed TouchPad at just $99 and it got sold out even before the news of the sale became popular. HP has said that it is going to announce the sale of the Pre 3 very soon, so get ready for this “fastest fingers first” game and chance to grab one.
