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.

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.

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.

The fine print on that page says:

"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.

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.

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.