Apple's much-hyped iPad hits the US market
The thousands who crammed New York’s Fifth Avenue cheered when doors opened at Apple’s flagship store at 9am. It was a carnival atmosphere as Apple employees handed out soft drinks and yelled, “Let’s go iPad!”
Some shoppers booted up their new gadgets and sent out Twitter messages before even leaving the store. Thousands who had pre-ordered the tablets flooded Apple’s 200 US stores to pick them up. Many had queued overnight in New York to make sure they were among the first in the world to boot up their very own iPad.
Tourists travelled from the Netherlands, Hungary, the UK and Australia to be part of the moment. “It’s slim, beautiful. I really want to get it home and play with it,” said Adi Thomas, 38, who flew in from Australia.Â
The tablet acts as a cross between an iPhone and a laptop, letting users read books, play games and listen to music on a slick portable device. Since its launch in January, Apple has been promoting it as a revolutionary media force. The iPad retails in the US from $US499 ($542.50) and goes on sale in the world in late April. Analysts predict up to seven million sales in its first year.
Some critics have panned the iPad because it is not as sophisticated as a laptop and has no webcam, and some have complained that its touchscreen keyboard is hard to use. But its fans relish the chance to surf the web, check emails and share photos on an attractive, lightweight gadget.