HP Puts The TouchPad Front And Center At Best Buy On Launch Day

HP TouchPad Best Buy

Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) learned at least one thing from the other companies who have tried to challenge the iPad with their own tablets in 2011: if you don’t have your own retail chain, put your product front and center.

Judging by at least one Best Buy in Emeryville, California, HP recognized the value of getting people to notice the TouchPad by working with Best Buy to put its new tablet smack in the middle of the computer department on launch day, flanked by the iPad, the Motorola (NYSE: MMI) Xoom, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab. A dedicated salesperson was also assigned to the TouchPad display, patiently answering questions although perhaps not getting the entire point by demonstrating how you can navigate to the home screen by pressing a button “just like the iPad.”

By contrast, when Motorola tried to launch the Xoom earlier this year it was relegated to the back of that same Best Buy, buried behind the laptops and even a few desktops. However, at least in Emeryville Best Buy has reorganized its computer/tablet section with a much heavier focus on tablets, consolidating all tablets in the computer section at this store rather than displaying some near the mobile phones and some near the computers.

Expectations for the TouchPad are light coming off lukewarm reviews and the sheer hurdle of trying to carve out a niche among those scrambling to catch up to the iPad. But by ensuring it can’t be missed during a visit to a huge consumer electronics retailer during a holiday weekend, HP is at least giving itself a shot to build some brand recognition.

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