The iPad 2 will be available in local stores from tomorrow, says local Apple distributor, Core Group.
The highly-anticipated device will be competitively priced, and Core Group communications manager Taryn Hyam says the company is expecting sales to “exceed expectations” in the same way the first generation device did.
The iPad 2 addresses some of the aspects that were deemed to be lacking in its predecessor. The iPad 2 is 33% thinner, lighter, and features a new dual-core A5 processor, as well as a front-facing VGA camera and rear-facing 720p HD video camera.
The 16GB iPad 2 with WiFi will go on sale at R4 399, while the 64GB device will be priced at R6 399. Pricing for the WiFi and 3G enabled models will begin at R5 599 for the 16GB device, and will go up to R7 599 for the top of the range 64GB option.
The devices will be available at Apple premium resellers, Incredible Connection and Dion Wired stores.
The Core Group also lowered the prices of the original iPad last month, following the unveiling of the iPad 2.
Grey area
Up until now, acquiring an iPad 2 in SA has been a decidedly costly endeavour, with a number of online retailers offering pre-orders and import services for the device.
“It's always a tricky area in growing markets,” says Hyam, adding that grey importers have been pricing the iPad 2 substantially higher than the recommended price.
“It's not only a pricing issue though, because when people buy from grey importers there will also be problems with warranty. One should always wait for when a product is officially released in your country, and you should always purchase from authorised resellers.”
Kalahari.net has been taking pre-orders for the 3G-enabled devices from R6 999 to R8 999 for the 64GB device.
Have2Have employed a slightly different method of offering a list of base prices from which customers could opt to pay in more - with a “the higher the price you specify, the faster you will receive your iPad 2” approach.
The Notebook Company said earlier this month that it was one of the first local vendors to offer the new devices in the country.
Paying a premium
Christopher Riley, MD of The Notebook Company, acknowledged its price was high, but said the company is paying a premium to get stock.
“The price should be around R8 000 - but I don't expect to see that price for the next year.
“We are one of the first to offer iPad 2 units in SA. We are offering units at R9 100 + VAT, if a consumer pays today and allows two weeks for delivery. However, if a user forks out R9 800 + VAT he can collect his iPad the same day, or wait for us to deliver the next day. We are really expecting a rush on sales.”
According to The Notebook Company, Apple used to account for 5% of its sales, whereas now, the products account for 20% of overall sales since the release of the iPad last year.
Apple reportedly sold 4.69 million iPad 2 units last quarter, and company stores in major US cities sold out the updated tablet device within hours of its introduction.
“This is phenomenal,” said Riley. “Naturally, SA won't see these types of volumes, but we are going to see tens of thousand of units being sold over the next month or so.”
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