Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
The iPad appears to be selling well in Asia despite the fact that Apple's official overseas
launch isn't until the end of May, as specialty stores obtain them to resell at premium prices
and travelers to the U.S. bring them home.
The popular tablet-like device is on sale at two stores near the main electronics bazaar
in Taipei.
Taiwanese consumers are paying a premium for an early iPad. The two Taipei stores maintain
identical prices, 800 us dollars for the 16GB model and the other models are at a similar
premium of around $300 more.
Estimates of how many iPads have been shipped or carried outside the U.S. range into the
tens of thousands, and one analyst speculated the figure could be much higher. He noted
that when the iPhone first launched, only about half the iPhones sold early on were
activated on AT&T networks.
Taipei shop owner, Mr. ***, said he bought about 300 iPads from a company in the U.S.
that specializes in procuring specialty goods and re-selling them to stores overseas. He
believes around a dozen stores in Taipei offer iPads, and estimates that thousands of them
are on sale citywide.
Analysts warn that people who purchase iPads for use overseas before the official launch
in their market must beware of potential pitfalls.
People outside the U.S. who have technical problems or need service may find it difficult
to locate an authorized technician, or may have to ship the unit back to Apple.
With reporting by Dan Nystedt in Taipei, I'm Justin Meisinger, IDG News Service.