HP Pre 3 appears for £69

MAKER OF EXPENSIVE PRINTER INK HP's Pre 3 has appeared on the HP website for £69, although you can't actually buy it.

The handset appears on HP's handheld PCs page, although below the price tag it reads, "Call 0845 270 4142 to discuss options. Currently may not be available direct from HP."

We called the number and HP told us that it was not selling the Pre 3 directly and £69 was a recommended retail price for third parties that potentially could be selling the device.

We found this confusing, as last week online retailers were told that they would not be getting supplies of the handset and that HP would be selling it directly only.

Meanwhile, in a blog post this morning, HP hinted that the Pre 3 would be going on sale soon, saying there is "limited inventory" of its Touchpad and smartphone accessories, which include the Pre 3. HP said customers should visit the HP Home Office web site for current availability "as this situation is changing rapidly".

The news came as HP announced that it will be selling more cut price Touchpads, although it could not say when. µ