HP has decided to permanently cut the price on its TouchPad price by $100 a few days before its official launch in Australia. The TouchPad is due to go on sale through Harvey Norman on 15 August.

Aiming to stand out in a crowded tablet market, the company has slashed the Australian price of the TouchPad to $499 for the 16GB Wifi version, and $599 for the 32GB Wifi model. The move matches recent reductions in the US, where the two versions can be bought for $US400 and $US500, respectively.

Although Australia’s discounted prices are still higher than temporary discounts in the US, HP today said the new pricing in Australia was permanent.

“HP continually evaluates pricing for its products and is pleased to offer a permanently reduced price on the TouchPad products effective immediately,” the company said in a statement.

“Now consumers can have all the benefits of webOS -- multitasking, Synergy and Just Type – at a starting price from $499 including GST.

“This move will help bring the HP TouchPad and webOS to a larger audience, benefitting consumers and developers.”