HP TouchPad Care Pack: The $49 Accidental Damage Offer and HP Cover Today

The HP TouchPad was HP’s webOS tablet of 2011, and after HP cut its price to $99 in a famous fire sale, HP also cut the price of its accidental damage cover. This article explains the HP TouchPad Care Pack offer, what happened to the TouchPad, and how accidental damage protection from HP works for laptops and tablets today.

Quick answer: In August 2011, HP cut the price of its one-year Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) for the HP TouchPad from $79 to $49. HP had already stopped making the TouchPad and all webOS devices that month, so the offer and the support behind it are long over. For a new HP device, HP still sells Care Packs, some with accidental damage protection, which are best added at checkout.

What was the HP TouchPad?

The TouchPad was a 9.7-inch tablet running HP’s webOS, the system HP got when it bought Palm. It went on sale in mid-2011, but on 18 August 2011, about seven weeks after launch, HP announced it would discontinue the TouchPad and all other webOS devices. HP then cut the price to $99 for the 16GB model and about $150 for the 32GB model, and stores sold out within days.

Many people who bought one at the fire sale had never planned to buy a tablet, so they went looking for cheap apps and protection. We also covered the free HP TouchPad apps and promo codes offered at the time and the later TouchPad deal for webOS developers.

The HP TouchPad Care Pack with ADP offer

After the fire sale, the HP Care Pack with ADP (Accidental Damage Protection) dropped to $49 (down from $79) for one year. It was available in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland and the UK.

For $49, HP TouchPad owners got:

• One year of accidental damage protection: if the TouchPad was accidentally damaged, you could send it to HP to be fixed or replaced.
• One year of unlimited phone support: webOS devices normally came with 90 days of free phone support.

The offer was valid within 30 days of buying and activating the TouchPad. You bought it through the HP Care Pack app from the webOS App Catalog: tap Help, select HP Care Pack, tap Download HP Care Pack Application, tap Free to download, then launch the app.

Is the HP TouchPad Care Pack still available?

No. HP stopped making the TouchPad in 2011, the webOS App Catalog closed long ago, and any Care Pack bought for a TouchPad has expired. If you still own a TouchPad, HP will not repair it under that plan, and replacement parts are only found second hand.

The TouchPad is now mostly a collector’s item. It cannot run current apps or a modern web browser safely, so it is not a good choice for daily use. If you want an affordable device today, see our tips on things to consider before buying a laptop.

HP accidental damage protection today

HP still sells HP Care Packs for its current laptops, tablets and printers. A Care Pack upgrades or extends HP’s standard warranty, and some plans include accidental damage protection that covers drops, spills and power surges. Points to check before you buy:

• Buy it early. HP recommends adding a Care Pack at checkout, and coverage is tied to the date you bought the device.
• Check what is covered. Accidental damage cover is only included in some plans, not all.
• Check the service type. Plans differ in whether HP picks up the device, you send it in, or a technician visits.
• Compare with your other cover. Home insurance or a credit card benefit may already cover accidental damage.

FAQ

How much was the HP TouchPad Care Pack?

The one-year Care Pack with Accidental Damage Protection cost $49 after HP cut it from $79 in August 2011.

Why was the HP TouchPad discontinued?

HP announced on 18 August 2011 that it would stop making all webOS devices, including the TouchPad, only weeks after it went on sale.

Can I still get my HP TouchPad repaired by HP?

No. The TouchPad is long out of support, and any Care Pack bought for it has expired.

Does HP still offer accidental damage protection?

Yes. Some HP Care Pack plans for current HP devices include accidental damage protection. It is best added when you buy the device.