The raft of cheap iPad deals before Christmas appeared to finally put Apple’s best-selling tablet within reach of those who didn’t fancy fronting up upwards of £500 for a 3G-packing version. But a new report in The Times has suggested that sales of the subsidised slates have been less than impressive.
“Industry sources” told the paper that Orange, the first mobile operator to flog the iPad on contract, sold just 1,000 units in its first week. While Orange said sales had, “…grown week-on-week”, it hasn’t refuted the figure.
Three and T-Mobile’s stats are unclear, but it seems that none of the networks have done the business when it comes to the iPad. Orange’s poor numbers are said to be down to the pricey two year deal on offer, that despite the up front price being just £199 for a 16GB Wi-Fi and 3G model.
What’s more, research for Context last November showed that 80 per cent of British iPad owners were plumping for 3G versions. Perhaps it’s simply a case of punters not fancying being tied down and happy to pay for a SIM-free model instead.
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Via Paidcontent
Posted by Joe Minihane