Shortage fears as Apple fans rush for iPad 2

Impressive: the new version of the iPad is thinner and lighter and, crucially, far easier to transport
12 April 2012

Apple's iPad 2 will outsell the original, experts predicted today.

The £399 gadgets go on sale at 5pm on Friday and many Apple fans are expected to camp out overnight outside the firm's stores on Regent Street and Covent Garden to be among the first in the UK to own one.

James Holland, of gadget website Electric Pig, said: "The demand for iPad 2 is looking like it might exceed the first one, so I think it will definitely sell out - people need to queue up early to guarantee getting one, or order online."

Mr Holland believes the sub-£400 price will attract a lot of consumers who did not buy the first version.

"Under £400 is a real sweet spot for consumers, I think a lot of people will now buy - even though in reality it's only £30 cheaper than the first iPad.

"It also puts a huge amount of pressure on Apple's competitors, who are already struggling to produce tablets at a comparable price."
Apple boss Steve Jobs hinted today at shortages of iPad2s - in the US online buyers have had to wait five weeks for delivery. He said: "We're experiencing amazing demand in the US.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone."

For anyone still sat on the fence... this really is a must-have gadget

Review
ipad 2
From £399
Available in the UK on March 25
5/5

The iPad has been one of the most astonishing success stories in the technology world, coming from nowhere to sell over 15 million devices and create an entirely new type of gadget in just 12 months. It's a tough act to follow and, at first glance, the iPad 2 appears a little bit of a disappointment. It's thinner, lighter and also available in white, but otherwise seems a small upgrade.

However, having spent some time with the iPad 2 it quickly becomes apparent that, while subtle, this really is a major upgrade and a glimpse of the future of computing. The original looks and feels positively chubby by comparison, and the iPad 2 feels incredibly natural to hold, and crucially is far easier to transport around thanks to a new case design, addressing a failing of the original iPad which many simply used on the sofa rather than taking everywhere with them.

The case, which snaps on using magnets, also doubles as a stand for typing and watching films, and is well worth the £35 extra. However, it's the increase in graphics and processing power that is most exciting about the iPad, and it should lead to an explosion in apps that do everything your laptop and desktop computer (and, to some extent, your games console) can do, but all via a touchscreen. Apple has set the bar high with iMovie and Garageband, which are astonishingly powerful apps, letting you edit high-definition films and create music. There's also the added advantage of front and rear cameras in the iPad 2.

The front is excellent for video calls, while the rear camera produces really impressive HD video - although pretty terrible still photographs. Gaming is also set to make a major leap forward. While not quite rivalling the Xbox and PS3, the iPad2 is by far the most impressive portable games machine out there. It also does pretty much everything your laptop can.

It is still an expensive purchase, but for people who never buy the first generation of a gadget, or were sat on the fence, this new version really is a must-have. Once again, Apple has left competitors in the dust.

For owners of an existing iPad, its a more difficult decision, but the incredible lure of Apple means there will be an awful lot of households with two iPads over the coming weeks.

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