Gene Munster, Senior Research Analyst at Piper Jaffary, expects shorter lines for the second iteration of Apple’s iPad. It’s less than a year since the launch of the original iPad, which saw hundreds, if not thousands of people queueing up at Apple retail stores across the US. But according to Munster, those anticipating the arrival of iPad 2 on March 11 may not have to dust down those tents and raincoats just yet.
That said, shorter lines do not mean less sales, with Munster predicting that the iPad 2 will outsell its predecessor, which racked up a whopping one million sales in just 28 days.
Munster backs up his prediction with the fact that the original iPad was available at around 1,200 stores at launch, 221 of those being Apple retail stores with Best Buy accounting for around 1,100. However, this time around the iPad 2 will be stocked at over 10,000 stores on launch day, including Target, Walmart and Best Buy. Unlike the launch of the original iPad, the 3G version will be on sale from day one, allowing eager customers to hop over to their local AT&T and Verizon stores also.
So, iPad 2 will be available pretty much everywhere and lines will be generally shorter at places like Best Buy. But will that stop the huge lines that have been present at Apple retail stores over the years? I’m not so sure. Apple has created an experience around buying their products, and I think we will continue to see the usual mammoth queues that are a familiar sight at all iOS device launches. I would go as far to say that those who do wait in line at an Apple store actually enjoy doing so. For me, it doesn’t feel as special when you shop anywhere else.
Do you expect the iPad 2 to outsell the iPad? Will you be waiting in line at your local Apple Store come March 11? Let us know in the comments.
Article Via Apple Insider
Photo Credit: Digital Influence
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I would wager a guess the iPad 2 sells as many units as the original iPad at worst, which is far from bad. Most likely it will sell exceptionally well due in part to all the people looking to upgrade as well as all the people who don't want a generation 1 device. And lest we forget, now that the form factor is more established I'm sure even more "regular" folks will be very interested in getting on the iPad train.
Looking at the corporate side of things, the small but important changes like video conferencing and even more power under the hood would make the iPad 2 even more interesting for field deployment. Yes, the competition is quite impressive and a lot stiffer than last year, but a whole lot of them aren't on the market yet. The iPad 2 can be bought at bulk starting this Friday in a few countries and in even more countries soon after.
Regardless of how you look at it, I'd like to say a good consumer device became an even better device with more application almost over night. With the added bonus of being more personal and enabling more personal communication between people.
I could go into depth about how I think the form factor is changing how we view computing in general, but that's topic for an article of its own.
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LikeMr. Munster's logic makes sense from a numbers point of view. But like you point out there is something more when you buy at an Apple store. The buying experience and in store setup and service. Is Walmart or even Best Buy going to spend the time to help someone get their iPad setup before they leave the door? Do they even have staff trained to answer people's questions about the iPad?
Put it this way. Most people who buy their iOS devices at other retail outlets will still end up in an Apple store (granted if they are near one) to help get their device personally setup. People are now catching on that Apple really does have the most knowledgable staff.
Great post Terry.
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LikeSorry, but what's to set up on an Ipad. Email , Wifi, power supply/usb connector ??? I don't really get that personal set up service bonus on a device that doesn't need it. I want in and out with my new Ipad, I don't have the time for all that special buying experience .
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LikeJeeze don't get so upset. It's not like they force you to setup your device in store. If someone doesn't want to that's fine.
But believe it or not many people (not us geek types) love the idea of getting help. 1st it it allows them to use the device before they leave the store. Grandma could be downloading apps while you couldn't do anything with your iPad because it needs to be activated through iTunes.
The 2nd reason is that many people are new to the device. And they may never sync their iPad to their computer (if they even have one). They won't know how to get their email setup because their using their crappy ISP's email service and the iPad doesn't know the server settings.
Everyone may not be as brilliant as you and can be so smug not to need help.
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LikeThe iPhone 3G launch was huge, and really widened the install base. I'm betting iPad 2 will have the same effect.
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Likewhy? i mean why are you so sure? is it so popular? is it so good? personally me.. i don't know any thing good about it.. ipad 2 has nothing really impressed inside.. so how can you be so sure?
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