If there ever were a divisive computer, Apple’s iPad is it. The iPad, as anybody who follows tech news knows, has riled up the masses in a way few devices can. Some swear it’ll revolutionize computing; others see it as an overhyped and oversized iPod Touch. One way or another, nearly everybody seems to use an organization opinion.
The actual question, although, is who’s going to really purchase the thing. Preordered iPads reportedly started out shipping these days, but the true test will come when the item hits store shelves this Saturday. And, if some new research is to be believed, a really specific subset of people is going to be lining up to examine it out.
Apple iPad Appeal
Screw the euphemisms: The iPad-wanting crowd, based on marketplace investigation organization NPD, consists mainly of rich Apple fanboys.
A report published by the firm finds existing Apple product owners are 40 % a lot more enthusiastic about the Apple iPad than their non-Apple-toting counterparts. The other strongest predictors of Apple iPad awareness were earnings — those who make $100,000 or a lot more are most likely to eye the iPad, NPD says — and age, with consumers among 18 and 34 expressing the most powerful iPad desires.
But could the Apple brand alone really be enough to win individuals over? According to NPD, maybe. The organization finds probably the most typical cause for Apple owners’ awareness in the iPad merely “likes the Apple brand.”
Apple iPad Purchases
Despite their higher levels of awareness, numerous Apple users might be hesitant to actually shell out their cash for an iPad. Only 9 % of existing Apple owners told NPD they have been most likely to buy an iPad within the following six months. 60 %, in contrast, said they don’t anticipate snagging one anytime soon.
Probably the most generally cited reasons among Apple owners: The iPad’s too expensive, and a notebook or netbook could accomplish the same types of tasks.
Apple iPad Point of view
Of course, you need to put this research into point of view. Other analysts say Apple iPad demand is sky-high, with sales expected to achieve 10 million in 2010 alone. Some recent reports even recommend Apple’s preorder stock of iPads is totally sold out.
So will the iPad alter the world as we know it? Or will it just turn out to be a limited-scope toy for diehard Apple fans?
There might be no firm answer yet, but I use a sneaking suspicion we’ll hear plenty more theories between now and Saturday.