iPad 2 reported to be "flying off shelves"

Opertators and retailers have reported a strong uptake of the iPad 2 since it launched in the UK on March 25. Phones 4U said it sold out of devices before the end of the launch weekend.

Speaking to Mobile News, Phones 4U trading director Scott Hooton said: "We knew Apple's new tablet device was going to fly of the shelves. The launch weekend more than met our expectations, with the stock running out very quickly." Hooton said new stock was ordered and the device was available again from April 11.

Meanwhile Three director of mobile broadband David Kerrigan told Mobile News the strong demand and uptake of the iPad 2 from its retail outlets proved the tablet market was a "significant area of growth" for the operator. "As more people see the way tablets such as the iPad 2 can change the way we work, communicate, surf and all the other things, we can expect this (market) to grow even more."

A Vodafone spokesperson said the demand for the iPad 2 was "strong" with the contract, SIM-only and prepay deals equally popular. The spokesperson said the systems were in place to ensure that if it ran out of stock, customers could order the device on a 'first come, first served' basis at any time.

The Carphone Warehouse and Everything Everywhere while unable to give detailed statements, said uptake and demand for the device was strong.



Original article: Mobile News, Issue 487 April 25, 2011.