I would not doubt it was a planned strategy. What do you do if not all of the press is so hot on your product. Sales being overshadowed by big brother the phone? Well pretend the opposite.
"Demand is beyond our wildest dreams! We can't keep up. Ah shucks, we have to go back to the barn and make some more."
Funny how Apple has always, I mean always had a supply problem. Ever since I can remember, back when I was replacing my Mac IIci with a Quadra 840av, Apple could never meet the demand. It always worked though. Demand was at least in part artificially created.
I remember Palm Pre was in short supply when released, no? This helped Palm to kill the iPhone, right?
But why follow it up with a comment that effectively points out that America is the priority Market as it is for everything Apple and everyone else should bask in Apples success to fully stock the US and not give anyone else a piece of the pie.
It has nothing to do with America beig the 'priority' market (although that has a nice ring to it...).
It is a familiar market. It is far easier to introduce a brand new product in one country -- e.g., no exchange rate issues, no new legal/language/distribution issues, only one set of agreements needed with media vendors, etc. etc -- than attempt a simultaneous global rollout. If there had been major glitches, it would have had a much wider repercussions in terms of negative publicity.
It is simply a question of "learn from one market, so that it can be done better, smoother in all markets."
Interestingly, the Canadian website is the only one that hasn't been updated to reflect the new date (at least as of 9:15 EDT today). It still says, "Coming late April" on the homepage. The UK, French, and German sites have all been revised to show the new date.
Probably just an oversight, but maybe some faint hope for Apple's neighbours to the north?
Now I far less silly for having driven down to Walden Galleria in Buffalo from the Waterloo area the night before launch and picking my 64GB iPad up the morning they launched in the US. Smug? Yes, perhaps a bit. Happy with my iPad? Hell, yeah!
Must mention this to my wife at lunch and gloat just a bit more.
I have a shorter memory. When the 13" MacBook Pro was announced last year, I hit the Boston store two days later. I told the kid, "no applecare, no add ons, just get me the computer." 5 minutes later I'm out the door, MacBook Pro in hand. No "artificial" supply problem here.
Having just gotten back from Worcester a couple of weeks ago, it is too bad that 'dialect' rather than 'region' was the basis for delaying the international introduction of the iPad.
But hey, I am not complaining. Must say though, that my wife and her American cousin did their best to keep me out of the Apple store in Natik. Fortunately for me, we drove the other way and ended up in Holyoke. And I got to buy another U.S. Gift Card
By the way, blowhard (), what was the last team beside the Yankees to keep the title of World Series Champion's for three years in a row?
It has nothing to do with America beig the 'priority' market (although that has a nice ring to it...).
It is a familiar market. It is far easier to introduce a brand new product in one country -- e.g., no exchange rate issues, no new legal/language/distribution issues, only one set of agreements needed with media vendors, etc. etc -- than attempt a simultaneous global rollout. If there had been major glitches, it would have had a much wider repercussions in terms of negative publicity.
It is simply a question of "learn from one market, so that it can be done better, smoother in all markets."
Hmm, I don't fully agree with this since they were planning to start international distribution anyway, so all that would have already been accounted for. That is, if the demand in the U.S. weren't so high, they would have had to do all the stuff you mentioned anyway and were ready to do so, in fact.
I think it would have been better to start international distribution, start getting iPads out to international developers, start getting reviewed by international publications written by people who've held the iPad in their "international" hands, etc. All the U.S. publications, blogs (like this one), etc. have already touched, used and written about the iPad.
But what the heck do I know. Apple is master when it comes to marketing and rolling out a new product.
Is U.S. 3G iPad going to be different from the European models? If not, I would consider buying one when in NY in 2 weeks ...
It is likely Apple will have legal problems in Europe if they place hardware limitations to restrict the contract to one operator (as has happened with the iPhone, which is currently being sold by all operators in the UK and elsewhere in Europe).
More operators = obviously a lower plan cost and the benefit to consumers.
Not surprised on this one, it's actually smart on a number of fronts. I would do a limited initial run, say 500,000, release it, and collect feedback from the Genius bar folks. This would verify the silicon, screens, battery's, etc.
It gives them a chance to make updates to the product before the next run.
One thing importers should know... the App Store application only works with a US iTunes accounts. You can still buy apps using iTunes on your desktop and then sync. You just can't access the App Store from your iPad.
One thing you cannot get from your non-US iTunes account is any of the Apple iPad apps (iBooks, Pages, Numbers, Keynote). If you need these, open a new iTunes account with a different email address using a pre-paid credit card with a US address.
I would not doubt it was a planned strategy. What do you do if not all of the press is so hot on your product. Sales being overshadowed by big brother the phone? Well pretend the opposite.
"Demand is beyond our wildest dreams! We can't keep up. Ah shucks, we have to go back to the barn and make some more."
Funny how Apple has always, I mean always had a supply problem. Ever since I can remember, back when I was replacing my Mac IIci with a Quadra 840av, Apple could never meet the demand. It always worked though. Demand was at least in part artificially created.
You obviously know little about ramp up of a new product and what it takes to supply it. Companies don't deliberately order too little supply to create more demand. it is hard enough to know how many to order , let alone become a manipulator with a crystal ball as you so suggest.
my dear pundit, if you want a list of books to read about consumer electronics distribution in a fashion that will allow you too to predict the future in a better way, can i suggest you start with "innovators solution" "seeing what is next" and "smart world" .. these all will easily show you the patterns you describe are about as accurate as someone who doesn't have health insurance fighting the health care bill because it takes away their freedom.
I'm so sad that once again those of us over here in UK are snubbed once again. It's not enough that we pay a hefty premium for the stuff, but we get an unequal share of the waiting time.
This is why I moved from the UK to USA, just so I can lays get Apple goodies early, well that and the weather.
Comments
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I would not doubt it was a planned strategy. What do you do if not all of the press is so hot on your product. Sales being overshadowed by big brother the phone? Well pretend the opposite.
"Demand is beyond our wildest dreams! We can't keep up. Ah shucks, we have to go back to the barn and make some more."
Funny how Apple has always, I mean always had a supply problem. Ever since I can remember, back when I was replacing my Mac IIci with a Quadra 840av, Apple could never meet the demand. It always worked though. Demand was at least in part artificially created.
I remember Palm Pre was in short supply when released, no? This helped Palm to kill the iPhone, right?
But why follow it up with a comment that effectively points out that America is the priority Market as it is for everything Apple and everyone else should bask in Apples success to fully stock the US and not give anyone else a piece of the pie.
It has nothing to do with America beig the 'priority' market (although that has a nice ring to it...
It is a familiar market. It is far easier to introduce a brand new product in one country -- e.g., no exchange rate issues, no new legal/language/distribution issues, only one set of agreements needed with media vendors, etc. etc -- than attempt a simultaneous global rollout. If there had been major glitches, it would have had a much wider repercussions in terms of negative publicity.
It is simply a question of "learn from one market, so that it can be done better, smoother in all markets."
Interestingly, the Canadian website is the only one that hasn't been updated to reflect the new date (at least as of 9:15 EDT today). It still says, "Coming late April" on the homepage. The UK, French, and German sites have all been revised to show the new date.
Probably just an oversight, but maybe some faint hope for Apple's neighbours to the north?
'Faint' is perhaps the right word!
'Faint' is perhaps the right word!
Indeed. Date just changed on the /ca site, too...
Must mention this to my wife at lunch and gloat just a bit more.
I have a shorter memory. When the 13" MacBook Pro was announced last year, I hit the Boston store two days later. I told the kid, "no applecare, no add ons, just get me the computer." 5 minutes later I'm out the door, MacBook Pro in hand. No "artificial" supply problem here.
Having just gotten back from Worcester a couple of weeks ago, it is too bad that 'dialect' rather than 'region' was the basis for delaying the international introduction of the iPad.
But hey, I am not complaining. Must say though, that my wife and her American cousin did their best to keep me out of the Apple store in Natik. Fortunately for me, we drove the other way and ended up in Holyoke. And I got to buy another U.S. Gift Card
By the way, blowhard (
Indeed. Date just changed on the /ca site, too...
They were just updating Canada last, it would seem..... ouch.
But, hey, the US is not a far drive? And, the loonie is doing pretty well now?
i've been checking the website every 2 f***ing minutes hoping to see a "pre-order"-button and now this? god damn it..
It has nothing to do with America beig the 'priority' market (although that has a nice ring to it...
It is a familiar market. It is far easier to introduce a brand new product in one country -- e.g., no exchange rate issues, no new legal/language/distribution issues, only one set of agreements needed with media vendors, etc. etc -- than attempt a simultaneous global rollout. If there had been major glitches, it would have had a much wider repercussions in terms of negative publicity.
It is simply a question of "learn from one market, so that it can be done better, smoother in all markets."
Hmm, I don't fully agree with this since they were planning to start international distribution anyway, so all that would have already been accounted for. That is, if the demand in the U.S. weren't so high, they would have had to do all the stuff you mentioned anyway and were ready to do so, in fact.
I think it would have been better to start international distribution, start getting iPads out to international developers, start getting reviewed by international publications written by people who've held the iPad in their "international" hands, etc. All the U.S. publications, blogs (like this one), etc. have already touched, used and written about the iPad.
But what the heck do I know. Apple is master when it comes to marketing and rolling out a new product.
YOU GOTTA BE F***ING KIDDING ME!! WTF APPLE?!?
i've been checking the website every 2 f***ing minutes hoping to see a "pre-order"-button and now this? god damn it..
Perhaps instead you should click on the "Notify me" button and wait for the e-mail instead.
YOU GOTTA BE F***ING KIDDING ME!! WTF APPLE?!?
i've been checking the website every 2 f***ing minutes hoping to see a "pre-order"-button and now this? god damn it..
It is likely Apple will have legal problems in Europe if they place hardware limitations to restrict the contract to one operator (as has happened with the iPhone, which is currently being sold by all operators in the UK and elsewhere in Europe).
More operators = obviously a lower plan cost and the benefit to consumers.
It gives them a chance to make updates to the product before the next run.
One thing you cannot get from your non-US iTunes account is any of the Apple iPad apps (iBooks, Pages, Numbers, Keynote). If you need these, open a new iTunes account with a different email address using a pre-paid credit card with a US address.
Brilliant move.
Declaring unprecedented demand . . . in order to help drive up demand.
Apple's goodies sell themselves, I know, but this is smart.
Yeah lets toss out the implication that they announced this just to make more demand. Riiiigggghht
Cause Apple needs to do something like that.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I would not doubt it was a planned strategy. What do you do if not all of the press is so hot on your product. Sales being overshadowed by big brother the phone? Well pretend the opposite.
"Demand is beyond our wildest dreams! We can't keep up. Ah shucks, we have to go back to the barn and make some more."
Funny how Apple has always, I mean always had a supply problem. Ever since I can remember, back when I was replacing my Mac IIci with a Quadra 840av, Apple could never meet the demand. It always worked though. Demand was at least in part artificially created.
You obviously know little about ramp up of a new product and what it takes to supply it. Companies don't deliberately order too little supply to create more demand. it is hard enough to know how many to order , let alone become a manipulator with a crystal ball as you so suggest.
my dear pundit, if you want a list of books to read about consumer electronics distribution in a fashion that will allow you too to predict the future in a better way, can i suggest you start with "innovators solution" "seeing what is next" and "smart world" .. these all will easily show you the patterns you describe are about as accurate as someone who doesn't have health insurance fighting the health care bill because it takes away their freedom.
1) Real supply constraints (manufacturers were having problems)
2) Time to fix the Wi-Fi issue (and others?)
3) Waiting for some killer iPad apps to roll-out in other geographies (e.g. magazines, books)
4) Finish negotiating their content deals around the world based on the US "success"
5) Drive some more US/foreign press frenzy about "success"
Who knows, but I doubt that this has much downside risk (no other killer 'pads being released in May)
YOU GOTTA BE F***ING KIDDING ME!! WTF APPLE?!?
i've been checking the website every 2 f***ing minutes hoping to see a "pre-order"-button and now this? god damn it..
buy me one and I'll ship you one.
This sucks ...
I'm so sad that once again those of us over here in UK are snubbed once again. It's not enough that we pay a hefty premium for the stuff, but we get an unequal share of the waiting time.
This is why I moved from the UK to USA, just so I can lays get Apple goodies early, well that and the weather.