Smaller lines spotted for the launch of the Apple iPad mini
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In Tokyo, Apple iPAd mini buyers show off their new purchase |
In the U.S., lines were also shorter than in the past, but some of that could be related to Hurricane Sandy. Outside Apple's Fifth Avenue store in the Big Apple (natch!), 750 people braved the aftermath of Sandy to wait outside the Apple Store for the the iPad mini. Unlike other launches of Apple products, the Apple iPad mini really doesn't bring anything new to the table as Apple felt compelled to produce the tablet to compete against the low-priced 7 inch Android tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and the 16GB Google Nexus 7, both priced at $199. At $329, buyers are being asked to pay something of a premium for the Apple iPad mini at a time when iOS is seen as being old and static.
Apple would not reveal how many units of the Apple iPad mini were pre-ordered, but the tablet did sell out the inventory set aside for pre-orders, across the board. Still, with the stock price down, problems in the boardroom, and the appearance that it needed to play catch-up to compete with those smaller and less expensive Android tablets, Apple appears to be at some level of disarray for the first time since Steve Jobs started to turn around the company with the iMac.
source: CNN
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60 Comments
1. gallitoking posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:24 2
when long lines haters were calling it dumb to wait in line and now thethe consumers wise up and preorder , the haters will is selling more and that Apple is dying...
6. Nadr1212 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:29 0
And don't any of y'all even think about daring to write a response to comment I and get MY 1st comment down!!!!
19. Droiddoes (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:23 35
Does that post come in English by chance?
20. networkdood posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:27 4
Hmm, had to translate some of the post - no hate - point is that it is absurd to wait in line - especially for a device that is inferior to other 7-ish inch tablets - I have the N7 and I did not get in line for it or order online from a site where I was told the wait time was 3 weeks. Walmart had it available. The last time I waited for anything, if you call it that, is getting the Mario DS pack at Target 3 years ago.
35. someones4 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:22 3
True. next year, I will camp in front of samsung's store foe the s4..
I actually thought that the ipad 4 and the ipad mini are the same. Who knew?
50. networkdood posted on 02 Nov 2012, 21:16 0
why camp? You will be able to get it soon...
33. JeffdaBeat posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:19 7
Launch day lines are a thing of the past. We saw this starting with the release of the iPhone 4S and the new iPad. Most people order their iDevice online and Apple provides most of their stock to those people. PhoneArena posted something similar with the release of the new iPad because there weren't longer lines on launch day. People speculated Apple just wasn't selling as many. The new iPad went on to break records. It's because people are pre-ordering.
Still, I don't think the iPad mini is going to break records. It's just a different kind of iPad you can buy, but it's nothing to write home about.
47. VZWuser76 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:35 4
I've always ordered my smartphones online, going back to the Droid Incredible. The only times I've ever waited in line is movies or concerts. I'd just feel stupid waiting in line for a piece of electronics. Might as well pick up a pocket protector while I'm at it. But that's just me.
52. Droid_X_Doug posted on 02 Nov 2012, 23:44 0
Plus... what is available now is only the WiFi edition Mini. LTE editions don't go on sale until mid-November. So, if you were wanting a LTE edition Mini, you won't be anywheres near an Apple store.
53. quakan posted on 03 Nov 2012, 01:50 0
"Launch day lines are a thing of the past".
If only the same could be said about an Air Jordan release date. Every year we hear the same robbed, shot, stabbed, riot stories over them. I, on the other hand, choose to stay in and avoid the madness.
56. darkkjedii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 13:31 1
Jeff here n Vegas they're still crazy long, I guess bcuz of the huge amount of tourists.
51. rusticguy posted on 02 Nov 2012, 23:22 2
Looks like Apple customers worldover got this sudden enlightenment that they staretd pre-ordering instead of getting that "Cool" feeling by camping ... great move forward indeed :)
2. Nadr1212 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:25 25
Seriously? People almost killed each other just for a phone that sucks anyway?
How did humanity class drop so low that's so sad. :(
16. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:56 11
Liking apple products is like being in a cult. People are crazy about it. Bill Maher had a good joke about it. He said the economy isn't that bad cause at the mall hundreds of people are lined up to buy a product they don't need because they have something that's just like it already.
18. p0rkguy posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:02 13
Easy. 750 people lined up for the 5th ave Apple store right after a hurricane just came by. There isn't power less than 3 miles south, flooding within 2 more miles after that, and homes destroyed within 20 miles radius. But that's okay, they have an iPad mini, the biggest piece of sh*t people are calling innovation.
ALL HAIL APPLE. ALL HAIL APPLE.
21. networkdood posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:28 5
Great thinking - lets buy a tablet right after a natural disaster occurs - a bunch of iZombs...
24. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:39 8
That's capitalism at its finest. People lost their homes and family members due to the terrible disaster, but their number one priority is getting an iPad mini. If you have that much time to waste standing in line for a device you can get anytime you want, why not go help somebody who is in need.
26. Xquisite posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:49 1
Lol you act like it's Apples fault people really want there products so badly. I bet if the Nexus 10 was released today you would be standing out there too.
29. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:01 3
I'm not saying anything about Apple. I'm just speaking of people's mentality. And you are wrong. I would never stand in line for any Nexus device. I would just get it from the Play Store and have it shipped to me. Honestly, I wouldn't stand in line for any device. I don't really like being an early adopter. I rather other people use it and tell me if there are any issues before I spend my own money.
36. p0rkguy posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:39 2
I don't know where you got me blaming Apple from but I'm sorry to tell you that you have a reading problem.
Have you considered ESL 102 to refine your skills? Doesn't seem like 101 helped.
3. blingblingthing posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:25 4
Shorter lines, reduced stock, strategic firings ? Is this blood in the water guys?
4. pongkie posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:25 1
ouch!! then that device is expected to sell more than the regular sized ipad
13. blingblingthing posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:51 3
Uninformed people won't know of the better products that exist.
If a proverbial fool is willing to part with his money, why not help him do so?
34. JeffdaBeat posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:20 4
People buy what works for them. Just because you have no use for it doesn't mean that someone else won't.
37. TROLL (limited) 4 days ago posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:42 3
End of the day, it's a useless over-priced midrange app launcher Half-baked device.
59. darkkjedii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 13:39 1
No at the end of the day it's the iPad mini. Lots will buy it, lots like yourself won't. Apple has a strong fan base, appeals to the mass market, and gets those who r curious. So at the end of the day who cares what u, or I have to say.
58. darkkjedii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 13:36 0
Inferior is up to the user. What u consider inferior may be ideal for some one else.
7. PhenomFaz posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:29 6
It has begun...the long long descent down...and we all know that sayin....the BIGGER they are, the HARDER they fall!
I personally prefer android but to tell the truth I feel sad for Apple...everything is good about the company except for one thing...theri arrogant attitude and thats what's costing them right now
60. darkkjedii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 13:44 0
I think getting rid of forstall gets rid of most of the arrogant attitude. I think this is a new beginning for apple, and a chance to make the brand stronger.
8. jmoita2 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:32 5
Yes, I smell blood in the water. Release the android sharks!!! lol
38. TROLL (limited) 4 days ago posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:43 2
And so many other nasty names names there called.
39. PapaSmurf posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:45 1
Lol so true.
41. TROLL (limited) 4 days ago posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:50 0
And there all banned by PA Engadget GsmArena Verge PhoneDog " Don't these users have no self-respect" .....?
44. PapaSmurf posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:01 0
Speaking of the word ban, I'm surprised myz giant banned.
10. Evil_SaNz posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:38 3
I wonder how much did Apple pay the reviewers such Topolsky for the verge...an inferior ipad 2, smaller sized with recycled A5...9! With the usual boring story of fhe apps...I would like to know which are these "killer" or "must have" apps. 90% of them are rubbish and 5% are to compensate the weak browser experience without desktop user agent. In addition the play store tied app store's lead for all those pointless apps.
Which are those ipad killer apps?? Beer app, fart app, quick links to websites...boh
14. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:55 3
Apple products are so similar that you can't really criticize any one of them. Take the iPad 2 for example. They gave the iPad one a good review, and since the iPad 2 is pretty much the same thing, they can't say it's a bad device. And since the iPad mini is pretty much a scaled down iPad 2, it also gets great reviews.
When you buy Apple products, you are buying it for the brand. Anyone who doesn't care about brand and image can't really say the iPad mini is better than the Nexus 7.
I saw this review on YouTube and this one Apple fanboy criticized the Nexus 7 because it doesn't have any "different" apps. His exact words were that the Nexus 7 has email apps, facebook apps, twitter apps, everything that he already had on his iPad. That comment right there made me realize it's pointless to argue with people's desire for Apple products. Ultimately because get Apple products because it's an Apple product.
22. networkdood posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:30 1
wow....you have a link to that? iZOMBs only care that it has the APPLE logo on it...
25. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:42 0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
=uF5noq4vZbo
Here's the link. The funniest part is that he insists that he's giving the Nexus 7 a fair chance and he's being unbiased.
43. PapaSmurf posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:00 3
That review was such a joke its not even funny. Totally biased from the beginning.
Also, N7 does laps around iPad Mini in terms of speed. Tegra 3 > A5
27. Xquisite posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:53 0
Some people don't care about being able to hack their tablet. Some people don't buy tablets as gaming devices.
Some people don't buy tablets just to be able to put widgets on the screen.
Some people buy tablets just to use apps and in terms of apps (that matter) there is no difference between android and iOS. IT then comes down to brand, looks and build quality.
Oh and you fandroids wouldn't be buying google products had it not been made fby google. Hypocrites.
Come at me fandroids.
30. chronopc posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:07 0
People can buy products for any reasons they want. But when you are comparing two items from two different companies, it's just disingenuous to say it's not as good because it's the same. Also Google doesn't make that many products. Android is popular because it's open sourced and companies can do what they want with it. With Android you have options with Apple you do not, that's why people choose it. I think most people who likes Android products could care less who makes the phone as long as it's good. With Apple lovers, it's doesn't matter what the phone is like, the important thing is that it's an Apple device.
32. protozeloz posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:18 0
Not really I buy android Cuz android does things preety well for me, as a matter of fact android fans are supposed to be the least loyal and yet they keep coming to the point we had 75% of sales this time around
48. VZWuser76 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:53 1
Actually google doesn't build anything. Nexus1 was HTC; Nexus S, G-Nex, & Nexus10 were Samsung; Droid & Zoom were Motorola; & the Nexus4 is by LG. To date I have not owned an actual Google experience device (ie pure android). I've had 4 HTC phones & currently have the Galaxy S3 & a Toshiba Thrive. I picked up all of the devices because they were what worked for me. For instance the GS3 had the best specs, performance, & features at the time. The Thrive is heavier and doesn't have as nice of a screen as it's competitors, but it has full size ports (usb for keyboards, mice, extension HDs, etc; & a full size HDMI port). That was more important to me than what he competition had to offer. I don't consider Apple products after past dealings with their support staff (following their advice would've cost me $75-100 for their mistake).
Finally, "come at me"? Really? OK then.
11. guruprasad posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:43 2
apple's fall is rising...count your days apple...
40. TROLL (limited) 4 days ago posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:47 1
im hoping and praying for that day. "GOD" help us.
15. pikapowerize (banned) posted on 02 Nov 2012, 17:56 2
wait wait wait... is apple failing and falling? if they are they should already do something and stop the scandals of suing another company!
they should make iOS more likable because it looks like iOS is stagnant, redundant and no innovation!
17. InspectorGadget80 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:00 3
Looks like people started to see why the Ipad Mini makes no difference buying since if you already have a ipad 3. now theres a 4th ipad coming out still looks the same just a lil bit update specs.
28. Xquisite posted on 02 Nov 2012, 18:54 0
You activist should also crirtize Microsoft for releasing Halo 4 on election day. They clearly don't care about America and are brainwashing people.
49. VZWuser76 posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:57 0
Yup, everything should cease on election day, everyone should get the day off and their sole purpose should be to go in to vote. So what you're saying is that people wouldn't have time to vote AND pick up a video game in the same day? Two words for you "time management".
31. darkkjedii posted on 02 Nov 2012, 19:15 0
Here n Vegas the lines at town center, ceasers palace forum shops, and fashion show malls were around the corners.
42. Aeires (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:00 0
Line was very small in Chicago. Doesn't really matter much until Apple releases how many units it took to get to the sold out mark.
45. webOSlove posted on 02 Nov 2012, 20:08 2
iOS is so old and Apple is polishing it off like a finished product.
57. darkkjedii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 13:33 0
Ok don't know what the point of that post was, but ooooook
54. roscuthiii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 10:35 0
Wasn't just the iPad Mini that launched, the iPad 4 was launched simultaneously. So, you have two products being launched and still the lines are shorter. I think Apple's biting off a piece of what Apple enthusiasts have been bashing Android OEM's for: product cycle and "fragmentation" (in the sense of market cannibalization).
For a few years now, we've all heard how horrible it is that just a few months after you buy that new top-of-the-line Android flagship phone, it gets replaced by something newer and shinier. Well, the iPad 3 has only been out for what, 6-7 months now? And already it's replaced with a device with twice the performance? Apple, welcome to the land of buyer's remorse.
Also, getting back on track, the iPad Mini? While yes it's still pricey, it's not as pricey as the full-sized iPad. How many people are going to get both considering the costs involved? Every Mini sold is a loss of a few hundred dollars that could have been an iPad sale. Apple's phenomenal sales reports have been because of iOS devices having that limited-choice, walled-garden, vertical integration.
Not only that, but the Mini lacks the graphics performance of the iPad 4... everyone knows what that means right??? Games/Apps optimized to run on the iPad 4, while they should still run on the Mini (maybe- in retrospect, people that update to newer versions of iOS while running older hardware have also had features left out of the update), will not look or perform as well... Sounds like Apple also wants a little piece of the fragmentation pie...
55. roscuthiii posted on 03 Nov 2012, 10:39 0
And, don't make apologies for shorter lines in NY because of Sandy. The Eastern Seaboard may be having tough times right now, but what are the line situations in places like LA, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, etc.??? You know, there's a lot of land west of the Appalachians.
