An Apple A Day: 300,000 iPads Sold On Day One
Apple Inc. said that it sold more than 300,000 iPads in the United States by midnight on Saturday, April 3. These sales included deliveries of pre-ordered iPads to customers, deliveries to channel partners and sales at Apple Retail Stores. iPad users have also downloaded over 1 million apps and a whopping 250,000 e-books during that same time period. The iPad went on sale nationwide at 9 a.m. on Saturday and customers lined up outside Apple retail stores in cities across United States early Saturday morning to be among the first to buy the iPad, which starts at $499.
There were varied analyst expectations on iPad’s debut sales, some forecasts calling for sales between 700,000 – 800,000 while others forecasting a more realistic figure of 250,000-300,000. Most analysts believe that first-day sales do not necessarily reflect how the iPad will do over the long run.
Understandably, Steve Jobs, the main behind the iPad is jubilated at the initial sales figure. In an official press release, he mentions
“It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world—it’s going to be a game changer. iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad.”
While Apple chose not to provide any iPad forecasts, there is no doubt that there were heavy expectations ever since the iPad was unveiled in late January. Apple chose not to disclose the sales figures for Sunday. On Monday, some Apple stores reported robust sales. An Apple store in San Francisco said it ’sold out’ its first shipment of iPads on Monday morning.
It is interesting to note that some of Apple’s bestsellers have been slow starters. The iPhone had similar sales figures and sold 270,000 units in the first 30 hours of sales when it was launched three years ago. Though a few users have reported glitches related to the iPad’s Wi-Fi connection and charging, but there otherwise appeared to be no major problems.
If you are amongst the first few lucky iPad buyers, let us know your opinion about it. We’ll be glad to hear from you!
