We’re all more excited about getting our hands on an iPad mini than we would like to admit, and when pre-orders began it became clear we are not on our own.
While initially quoting that iPad mini pre-orders would arrive one week hence, Apple was forced to start telling people that their new pre-orders would not be shipped for another two weeks if they chose the lovely white model. The black iPad mini was unaffected initially, but now even that has now been pushed back to a two week shipping date.
With Apple still very much struggling to keep its iPhone 5 in stock four weeks after it was released, it is clear now that Apple is potentially sitting on another huge hit with its new iPad mini if pre-orders are anything to go by.
While it’s true we don’t know how many iPad minis were available for pre-order on Friday, we’re going to stick our necks out and say that it will have been enough to make Apple’s selling out of the new device something that the company will be crowing about at its next media event.
Interestingly, the current sell out only applies to the cheapest model, the 16GB variety. Is this a sign that people are already baulking at the $329 asking price of the iPad mini, and while they are prepared to stretch to that price, are not willing to stump up the extra cash required to get their hands on the higher capacity versions. Historically, Apple’s lowest capacity devices have tended to be the best selling, though, so the iPad mini may simply be following the existing trend.
At this point, the only real question surrounding the iPad mini is whether Apple will be able to keep it in stock long enough to sell one to everyone who wants one. After claiming for years that nobody wanted a tablet of the iPad mini’s size, Apple is set to dominate the market for just that. Ironic? Probably, but few can doubt Apple’s ability to turn a product category on its head in one fell swoop. The mini tablet market looks like it may just be the next in a long line.
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web.
