It seems just about every U.S. geek that wanted an iPad was able to find one.
This weekend marked the launch of the iPad over in the U.S. and the "magical" device stirred much interest. The iPads started landing on doorsteps Saturday in areas where UPS offered Saturday delivery.
Many expected only those who pre-ordered the iPad in the U.S. to get their hands on the iPad on opening weekend. However, Apple was able to make enough of the devices to meet demand on launch day with some sources saying that retail outlets had stock late in the day.
Apple offered the iPad via Best Buy electronics stores in the U.S. and via its network of smaller Apple Resellers. The availability of the iPad through Apple Resellers wasn't widely known because Apple forbid them from advertising the fact to customers in an effort to funnel most sales through Best Buy and its own network of retail outlets.
Apple's official sales numbers for Saturday were
300,000 units sold. Apple also claims that over 250,000 eBooks were downloaded the first day and that over one million apps were downloaded for the iPad. Apple is predicted to sell about
six million iPads in 2010.
“It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world—it’s going to be a game changer,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad.”