iPad Sees Record-Setting Adoption Rate, Poised to Become 4th-Largest Electronics Category

[gleepskip]

I saw an iPad, finally, in public use this weekend...at a casino. With all the millions of these units being sold, where the heck are they being used?! Maybe just in family rooms. I dunno.

When I use an iPad in public, I tend to be discreet about it. I don't want flashing lights and sirens blaring, "Look at me, I have an iPad!"

Both doctors I've had appointments with lately own iPads, but they weren't wearing them on a gold chain around their neck, à la Flavor Flav.

 

[Lesser Evets]

So what's the figure of sales at this point? Somewhere around 7 to 8 million? I'm sure it will break 10 million in year one.

That’s a very aggressive estimate for just the iPads, it’s likely the tablet market will get that much sales but iPads alone? I somehow doubt that. Eventually the interest in the iPads will fade out as other tablets enters the market…a year from now or whenever.

Hilarious.

I lol'd at your logic.

If you were talking about a staid electronic device like a DVD player or PS3, yes. The thing you don't realize (which is amazingly lame) is that the iPad is a continually evolving device. Year after year it will become something "new", just like the iPod, iPhone, iMac, and other computers. Function will keep expanding and the usefulness of the device will grow endlessly (assuming development of electronics continues).

Using a bit of prudent prognostication, the iPad will become the new iMac within 10 years. People won't be buying things like iMacs or desktop computers unless they need some seriously overtorqued computing efforts for game junkies and professional application involving graphics.

Around 2015 the iPad will probably be a fully functioning desktop type computer you can tote. It does depend on how Apple enlarges its function, but the device has the ability to be the computer of the masses. You could use it as a desktop or take it around, and by 2015 the computing power should be good enough to handle many applications currently used only on desktops.

The sales will keep steady or increase depending on the development and marketing.

 

[NebulaClash]

I just hope the iPad-hating Apple-hating brats won't be too upset by this article.

Don't worry, facts don't upset them. In their mind the iPad is a failure and always will be. It's just a toy, but a Blackberry or a Samsung is a real business tool.

 

[joshuavd]

I agree that tablets will start to become bigger for every usage; but it has a long ways to go. You might thinking typing on it is good, but even at lunch yesterday I heard several people talking about the iPad and how they want one but won't get it because of the soft keyboard.

It's a valid concern.

I don't agree with this. Being a college student and having grown up with most of the touch tech going around these days I am completely fine with the "soft keyboard". I've typed many 3-4 page papers without a problem (with the keyboard that is, pages is a whole 'nother story) The iPad does everything that I need on a day to day basis perfectly which is why it replaces my laptop. New technology always brings a learning curve that most people gawk at but over time becomes accepted as you get used to it. Apple has done an AMAZING job with their multi-touch design which is the only reason why typing on it works great. Other devices have been a pain because their tech is inferior.

 

[cvaldes]

Why would iPads be halting the sales of Video cameras? Those 2 products are entirely unrelated.

They are both consumer electronics.

If a person has a limited discretionary budget for gadgets, that person may decide on one product instead of another, thus delaying the purchase of the other item for the future. The article mentions this.

Others may have the discretionary budget to purchase whatever they want. However, not everyone is in that boat.

Even if one out of five people has budget issues, that still ends up being a big effect. If 500,000 people buy an iPad and one out of five has budget constraints, that's 100,000 other gadgets that aren't being purchased until later.

 

[Blu101]

"...the iPad is likely to be "cannibalizing" even TVs and digital cameras..."

The iPad is neither a TV nor a digital camera, therefore it cannot "cannibalize" either of them. That is an absurd statement.

I think it meant that, for people that are saving up to buy a tv or camera, they may shift and spend the savings on an iPad 1st, then start to save up for a tv or camera again, thereby taking longer to purchase the tv/camera, and thus, cannibalizing tv/camera sales for that quarter.

 

[E.Lizardo]

I saw an iPad, finally, in public use this weekend...at a casino. With all the millions of these units being sold, where the heck are they being used?! Maybe just in family rooms. I dunno.

I'm waiting for Rev 2 or 3 to come out...just like how the iPods got better, cheaper, and more features over time.

Mine is used almost exclusively at home.

Waiting is a losing game.The next one's always better.Just get it,enjoy it,and when the next compelling rev comes out ebay it.

 

[NebulaClash]

Mine is used almost exclusively at home.

Waiting is a losing game.The next one's always better.Just get it,enjoy it,and when the next compelling rev comes out ebay it.

Indeed, I got version 1, but I'll probably get version 3 when it eventually comes out. In the meantime I get to use the most enjoyable tech tool I've ever used.

 

[k2spitfire88]

At the moment it's ok to write 'iPad' when you mean tablet. That may change but as of today it's still ok.

The article specifically called the iPad it's own market segment. Not tablet, but iPad, as evidenced by,

At this current rate, the iPad will pass gaming hardware and the cellular phone to become the 4th biggest consumer electronics category with estimated sales of more than $9 billion in the U.S. next year, according to Bernstein. TVs, smart phones and notebook PCs are the current three largest categories.

 

[valkraider]

I saw an iPad, finally, in public use this weekend...at a casino. With all the millions of these units being sold, where the heck are they being used?! Maybe just in family rooms. I dunno.

This last Saturday I was at a local restaurant that is quite popular here and always has a 30 minute wait or more. In the waiting area alone there were 4 separate iPads. Two being used by kids and two being used by adults, one of the adults was senior.

 

[callme]

Why would iPads be halting the sales of Video cameras? Those 2 products are entirely unrelated.

Can you not read?

Because someone who spends $600 on an iPad, then does not have $600 to spend on something else. Therefore sales of iPads are preventing sales of other expensive consumer devices. If they can have only one $600 device they are picking the iPad instead or video cameras, for example!

 

[dgree03]

Can you not read?

Because someone who spends $600 on an iPad, then does not have $600 to spend on something else. Therefore sales of iPads are preventing sales of other expensive consumer devices. If they can have only one $600 device they are picking the iPad instead or video cameras, for example!

I dont get it either, if someone NEEDS a camera they will just buy a camera, regardless of what other devices are available in their price range.

Now if the Ipad had a camera and functions good enough in that capacity, then i can see it taking away from other comsumer electronics

 

[gleepskip]

If they can have only one $600 device they are picking the iPad instead or video cameras, for example!

To look at it another way, $600 on an iPad is a purchase that will be used for possibly hours each day. A video camera is probably used a few times a year.

 

[callme]

I dont get it either, if someone NEEDS a camera they will just buy a camera, regardless of what other devices are available in their price range.

Now if the Ipad had a camera and functions good enough in that capacity, then i can see it taking away from other comsumer electronics

It is not a question about need.

If you have $600 and want an iPad and a new camera, which do you buy, one or the other, not both. The story is saying that when people have a list of devices they want, they are putting the iPad first and therefore it is affecting the sales of other devices. It is not hard to understand!

 

[acslater017]

I'm pretty sure that the Wii and the Nintendo DS has beaten both of these in fastest uptake.

I think that those are not considered "new categories" of products. They may have had new features (motion control and stylus touch screen) but they are still a gaming console and portable gaming device.

I suppose that the iPad is considered a new category of device - tablet, touchscreen computer. This is debatable, but that's what they're doing. Comparing its unit sales to DVD players gives us some idea of the iPad's success, even if they're not directly comparable in the way that, say, Blu-ray players would be.

 

[Newton1666]

I'm surprised by the adoption rate. You can see why other tech giants want into the game. I'll wait for rev 2 or 3. I want a smaller iPad or bigger iPod touch. I don't care what comes out first. I'm in the mythical 7inch unicorn dancing iPad junta.

Seriously looking into Android tabs if size and price is good, and when they come out lol.

 

[Thunderhawks]

While I don't have an ipad (yet) I can see there is lots of room to make it better.

I never buy the first gen of any Apple product (used to , but learned).

Already now 2nd gen will have front facing camera, hopefully more oomph as in GB's etc.etc.

I am also ready for their next great product a video camera that is also a projector, so one can show things on a wall, screen etc.

There is stuff out there, but Apple needs to do it to make it good.

 

[seashellz]

I'm pretty sure that the Wii and the Nintendo DS has beaten both of these in fastest uptake.

nope nowhere even close; and thats like saying peaches sell A LOT faster than steaks- therefore peaches are the more popular food
I think the ipod is now outselling the DS

fail. what a chowderhead






"Windows is antiquated technology" WSJ, Sept 2009

 

[firewood]

I dont get it either, if someone NEEDS a camera they will just buy a camera, regardless of what other devices are available in their price range.

Not everybody has infinite spending cash (or wants to go into debt) like you.

If someone NEEDS* a camera, but needs an iPad MORE, and only has money for one, then before the iPad came out, they would have just purchased the camera. Now that they have a choice (but still limited cash or credit) the potential camera purchase gets cannibalized.

* No one really NEEDS a camera. Humans did quite well for thousands of years before cameras were even invented. Air, water, food... those are real NEEDS. Wanting a camera is merely a preference.

 

[BJMRamage]

I dont get it either, if someone NEEDS a camera they will just buy a camera, regardless of what other devices are available in their price range.

Now if the Ipad had a camera and functions good enough in that capacity, then i can see it taking away from other comsumer electronics

Nope!!
We were in the market for a tiny digital video camera (flip) and an underwater camera for use on vacation. we opted to go the iPhone route as it is a phone and has Video capabilities and other stuff. With that money gone, we decided to skip the underwater camera purchase.

and nobody NEEDS a camera. many people already have most other electronics and don't NEED to upgrade. they dont have a tablet and thus NEED to fill that vacant spot.

 

[seashellz]

Of course it takes Apple to make the tablet a real success after years of failure by other companies. Funny how some actually thought the iPad would fail.

"Ha! The iPod is a failure and will be gone in 6 months" -Steve Balmer
"Ha! The iPhone is dumb idea and will be done in 6 months" -Steve Balmer
"Ha! The iPad will lose out to the Kindle and be gone in 6 months"-Steve Balmer

"er....the iPhone has sold more than we would have liked" -Steve Balmer a few years later
in reference to it upcoming DOA smart phone

"Goddamn it, you mean there is not a SINGLE KIN or ZUNE on this whole goddamned campus?!" -Steve Balmer when trying to show visiting corporate exec an example of both

 

[phillipduran]

You use your iPhone under water?

Psssh yeah, doesn't everyone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qbWjaW25mQ

 

[hitekalex]

"...the iPad is likely to be "cannibalizing" even TVs and digital cameras..."

The iPad is neither a TV nor a digital camera, therefore it cannot "cannibalize" either of them. That is an absurd statement.

You can watch TV on an iPad. You will be able to take photos on the upcoming iPad. So yes, it can cannibalize sales of small "bedroom size" TVs, and point-and-shoot cameras.

And how is it it's own category? There have been tablet PC available for many many years!

Tablet PCs are so cumbersome to use - they hardly qualify as "tablets" in the modern sense of the world. I would probably describe them as PC's without keyboards.

 

[Laird Knox]

That’s a very aggressive estimate for just the iPads, it’s likely the tablet market will get that much sales but iPads alone? I somehow doubt that.

I thought it seemed a bit high myself but look at the numbers. Round the current trend of 4.5M a quarter down to an even 4M and use the least expensive model:

4,000,000 x 500 x 4 = 8,000,000,000

That's $8 billion right there. Now take into account the sales spike when version 2 comes out as well as extended availability. You can now buy iPads at several retail outlets and Amazon. That will only increase the exposure of the device.

If they are talking fiscal 2011 then that will include this holiday season where the iPad will face no serious competition. $9 billion doesn't really seem that far fetched.

 

[cvaldes]

I saw an iPad, finally, in public use this weekend...at a casino. With all the millions of these units being sold, where the heck are they being used?! Maybe just in family rooms. I dunno.

I see a lot of them where notebook computers are seen: coffee shops, airports, airplanes and trains. There are a few people at work carrying them around instead of notebook computers. They're showing up much more in corporate settings and universities (Stanford Medical School provided iPads for first-year med students).

Despite the fact that Kindles have been around a lot longer, I've seen far more iPads in use.

You don't see them walking down the street. They're not smartphones.