iPads Go on Sale at Amazon and Target Stores

It is now easier to buy an iPad.  The 9.7" device -- which is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities in both Wi-Fi-only and 3G versions -- has reinvigorated consumers' interest in tablet devices and competitors are readying their entries into the field.

IPads have been selling at a furious pace, and after only initially being available in Apple Retail Stores, Apple's online store, and Best Buy, Apple is now spreading the wealth to Amazon.com and Target.

Target will also start a new promotion on October 17 which will give Target credit card holder a 5 percent discount on the purchase of any iPad. For those that purchase a 64GB iPad Wi-Fi, that would amount to a discount of $35.

Those who purchase from Amazon.com can get a "discount" of their own -- that is if they live in a state where Amazon doesn't have a business presence -- thanks to there being no sales tax on the purchase price of an iPad.

Best Buy CEO: iPad Hurting Notebook Sales

In a report that suggests rumors of tablet computers could be biting into the notebook and netbook markets is justified, Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn told The Wall Street Journal that Apple’s iPad has “cannibalized” sales of notebooks by as much as 50 percent. Dunn told the paper that sales of smartphones and portable computers continued to rise, thanks in part to devices like the iPad. It's a very different environment now," the chief electronics analyst for market researcher NPD Group Stephen Baker told the Journal. "The real cool stuff now will be the tablets, e-readers and probably the higher-end digital cameras."

A July report from a Barclays Capital analyst said Apple would sell about 20 million iPads in 2011, negatively affecting lower-cost notebooks as well as the netbook market.

The iPad is expected to account for 74.1 percent of global tablet shipments, with the remaining portion going to “a mix of older PC-type tablet products and competitive slates.” In 2011, as the competition begins seriously filling out, iSuppli still expects Apple to command 70.4 percent of the market, and nearly two-thirds market share through 2012. At present, while a number of tablet devices are set to launch — running Windows 7, Android and webOS — iSuppli said it believes none of these are ready to be serious competitors to the iPad.

Attracting the interest of many, Samsung is showing off its Galaxy Pad tablet, which includes the Android operating system and features such as 3G and WiFi capability, a 16:10 screen ratio, a SDHC memory expandability, a DMB tuner for TV viewing and something the iPad lacks—a front-facing camera for video calling.  It looks like tablets have arrived and they are here to stay.

DODOcase: The Perfect Companion for your iPad

Do you love your iPad?  If you do, you are going to love the DODOcase as well.  It will protect your valuable iPad and it will look good doing it.

Each DODOcase is cafefully made with faux leather and constructed using traditional book binding techniques, DODOcase covers are designed to fold back so you can stand your iPad. An elastic strap keeps your iPad sealed tight when you are on the go.

A great companion for your iPad.

Get yours at:  http://www.dodocase.com/

It's money well spent. 

IPad Free App of the Week: U.S. Open Tennis

It's time for the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, The U.S. Open in New York.

Don't feel left out of the action with the U.S. Open IPhone and iPad app for free. The app will give you more than just the scores and draws. Get the order of play for each and every day, behind the scenes interviews, and free streaming U.S. Open radio broadcasts you can listen to. Never heard a radio broadcast of a tennis match? You definitely need to check it out.

If you are attending the Open, the app has tips and info for what you might find on the grounds.

The app is free, take advantage of it.

iPads Now Shipping in 24hrs

Since the iPad’s initial launch on April 3rd and the 3G iPad’s launch on April 30th, customer demand for the product was exceptional and even beat Apple’s expectations.

Up until a couple weeks ago the shipping times for all iPad models stood at 7-10 business days or even more, until recently changing to 3-5 business days. Up until yesterday the iPads shipping time read 1-3 business days and finally today iPads are said to ship “within 24 hours.”

Good news for those who want their iPad and want it now. 

Apple has a music event slated for next week in San Francisco.  No new iPad announcements are expected at this time.