iPad Wi-Fi only, apple.com
As was being rumored all weekend, Apple has indeed run out of their initial pre-order stock of the iPad. The new estimated shipping date of their Wi-Fi only device are pushed back to April 12. Ever since the announcement of the iPad fans and critics have been equally voluminous in their thoughts on Apple’s latest idea. Critics say it’s nothing more than a stretched out iPhone and that people will just buy it because it has the Apple brand on it. Hardcore fans praise it as a device that will change the world of portable media consumption.
Those in the middle, like me, happen to think it’s looks pretty cool and would probably be a lot of fun to have. I don’t see myself buying one because I already have an iPhone and a laptop so I see no need for me to buy a device that sort of “bridges the gap” between the two. However, for those without an iPhone and/or a laptop who want something to browse the wealth of portable media out there, the base model of the iPad is a pretty good purchase in my mind and a lot of other people seem to think so as well.
Apple conspiracy theorists will claim that the iPad being sold out is nothing more than a marketing trick by Apple to portray a perceived “shortage” to incite increased demand- “Wow! So many people must think this thing is awesome that Apple can’t keep up with them all! Maybe I’ll get one too and see what the fuss is about!” Regardless of if there is any truth to that theory, Apple is still a profit-based business and isn’t going to just pump out insane numbers of a product without estimating the initial demand for it. Trust me when I say they will quickly catch up to the demand.
Apple probably hit another home run with the iPad and good for them and I hope everyone who receives one will love it. Were I buying one, I know I would love it.
The Apple Retail Store will have the device for sale on a first come, first serve basis after their initial April 3 launch date. The Apple Store online will have new iPad’s for delivery on or around April 12.
