"Demand for the iPad globally has been so huge that production simply hasn't been able to keep up," says Incredible Connection CEO, Dave Miller. This caused delays of the SA launch, as well as limiting the amount of stock made available.
There are six versions of the iPad in two different ranges. Pricing details are: iPad with WiFi - 16GB @ R4399; 32GB @ R5399; 64GB @ R6399. iPad with Wi-Fi and 3G: 16GB @ R5599; 32GB @ R6599; 64GB @ R7599. Initially 16 Incredible Connection stores in Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal were equipped with stock - with more stock expected within the week.
The most popular (comprising 85% of sales) of the six versions of the device on sale were the upper end 3G models.
Although the iPad is said to trump laptops and notebooks in terms of mobility and convenience, with up to 10 hours of battery life and a variety of specially designed apps, the current model has no built-in camera or flash. One would need to attach a peripheral camera in order to Skype or video conference.
The iPad 2, due out in the USA at the end of February will have both flash and cameras, but Miller doesn't expect South Africans to wait for the new model.
The iPad has been made available in South Africa some seven months after the official American launch - and Apple International has stipulated strict distribution and pricing conditions.
"Apple is protecting its brand by ensuring that pricing, distribution, and in-store presentation requirements of authorised resellers like us are adhered to very precisely. Apple and the authorised local distributor, Core, have made it categorically clear that iPads that have not been purchased in South Africa through authorised resellers will not enjoy any level of support from Core or their authorised repair agents."
Apple does not permit iPads to be bundled with any type of long term service or connectivity contract such as those with which cellular phones are often packaged by stores like Incredible Connection. Buyers may, however, use their existing connectivity contracts, pre-paid facilities, or separate data bundles, to connect their iPads to the Internet.
