Apple may have sold as many as 500,000 iPad 2 computers after retail outlets ran out of the tablet-style device on its debut weekend, said Piper Jaffray Cos. analyst Gene Munster.
Stores run by Apple, Target, Corp. and Best Buy contacted by Munster’s team had sold out of the device, he said in a research note yesterday. Online orders via Apple’s own website are taking up to a month for delivery, up from less than a week when sales began.
Early estimates suggest demand for iPads remains buoyant even as competitors such as Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. enter the tablet market. Apple sold more than 300,000 units of the first iPad in the 24 hours after its April debut.
One interesting stat is the number of new iPad 2 buyers. 70% of iPad 2 buyers were new to the iPad, compared with 23% of iPhone 4 buyers who were new to the iPhone at launch. This shows the iPad 2 is really gaining traction, and it also appears that those that already own iPads didn't feel there was much reason to go out and get the new one.
