European launch of iPad delayed
Steve Jobs at the launch of the iPad in late January 2010
Apple has delayed the European launch of its iPad due to heavy US demand. The postponement means that Irish customers will not be able to buy iPads directly from Apple until at least the end of May.
At its unveiling in late January Apple CEO Steve Jobs said European pricing and availability for the iPad would be announced during April with the product going on sale outside of the US by the end of the month. A press release sent by the company today, however, says this has now been pushed back by a month due to higher-than-predicted demand in the US.
Irish customers will now have to wait until the 10th May before they know how much an iPad will cost on this side of the Atlantic and what date exactly they will begin shipping. Pre-orders will also be taken by Apple from this date.
While many are still unsure about the appeal of the iPad the device has sold well in America since launch. Apple itself says it sold over 500,000 units in the first week, the majority of those coming on the launch day itself.
It might be quicker (and cheaper?) to fly to the States and buy one while you’re there – if you’re that keen. Which is what guy did whom I was talking to this morning here in Dublin. He even let me play with it (thanks Colm!)
It’s surprisingly heavy, but the screen clarity and resolution is awesome. Would I run out and buy one now if it was on sale locally: sure, if it was as cheap as a notebook. Do I need one right now? Em, unfortunately not, but maybe if my Asus had an accident on the way to the shops…
Think I’ll have to head over to Bundlebox.com now to order it from the States. Stupid US centric policy.