Sales of Apple’s multimedia tablet, the iPad, topped 300 000 units in the US last weekend, disappointing market analysts who estimated sales of about 500000 units in stores.
Hype around the iPad since its unveiling in January lead to high expectations among Wall Street analysts, although the Apple team hasn’t made any forecasts themselves.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple showed signs of large preorders in March, prior to the official release in stores, with sources saying the initial sales might even exceed iPhone sales.
First-day Apple sales were expected to top 500 000 units, some estimations projecting even higher figures around 700 000 units. Globally, iPad sales might range from 2.5 millions as viewed by financial-services firm Kaufman Bros. to 7.1 million, as stated by research firm iSuppli Corp.
According to Apple, some stores have sold out their first iPad shipment and reported robust activity this Monday, two days after Saturday sales began.
Apple was reported to be pleased with initial results. “It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world—it’s going to be a game-changer”, said Steve Jobs in a prepared statement on Monday.
Jobs is not disappointed yet as its biggest hit so far, the iPhone, sold only 270,000 units in the first 30 hours of sales when it was launched three years ago, almost half what analysts predicted. Today, more than 42.5 people worldwide have an iPhone.
He also announced that Apple would offer a preview of the next-generation iPhone operating system on Thursday, capable of running on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
According to market analysts, Apple fans expect more iPad integrated functionality, features and applications from third-party developers with the upcoming release of a new operating system version.
“The thing to really watch for are killer apps specifically for the iPad that showcase the screen and processing power”, concluded Shaw Wu, an analyst for Kaufman Bros., adding that both the iPod and iPhone became popular because of compelling content and third-party applications.
