Apple's new iPad on sale in China
苹果新款iPad在中国上市
Apple’s fifth generation of iPad went on sale around the world Friday, including here in China. But if first day sales are any indication, the iPad Air might not be the hit previous models have been.
By 7:30 this morning, half an hour before the Apple store in downtown Huangpu District opened, there were already people waiting in line to buy the latest iPad. But the line was shorter than those for the launch of previous models, and most of the eager buyers were loyal Apple fans.
"I have an iPad4. And my girlfriend has an iPad mini. We want to buy an air today. It’s good."
The new model weighs 28 percent less than the iPad 4 and is only seven millimeters thick. But the screen size is the same.
At a digital plaza with several authorized Apple resellers, some shoppers said they are in no hurry to buy the new model.
Pierre-Armand Fievet, Shanghai Shopper, said, "What’s the reason to buy another iPad? Maybe lighter with retina screen, it’s a better screen. But my iPad is Ok. I can work and follow the news on my iPad. For me, it’s enough."
Shi Meiqin, Shanghai Shopper, said, "I will see if its function and appearance have big breakthroughs. I have Apple’s previous series. But I think the new ones in recent years didn’t have big changes, especially in its appearance."
Vendors say sales were slow this morning.
"People are more rational now compared to the times when iPad3 and iPad4 were launched. IPad is different from iPhone. It’s not necessary in life." Shanghai vendor Shi Qinxiao said.
"It’s not so popular as before. Apple has more competitors such as Samsung and Android system. They are also user-friendly and cheaper." Shanghai vendor Huang Shaodong said.
One industry expert said that the new iPad is not only lighter, but also has a faster processor and higher definition screen.
But he says that doesn’t guarantee strong sales.
"The new iPad has breakthrough in industry design, for it’s very thin, even slimmer than the utra-thin cellphones. But iPhone still has a larger market, because of the difference of the using environment and using method." Gu Weiran, Pchome. Net, said.
Gu said that the new generation iPad mini is expected to sell better, as many people prefer a smaller tablet. The iPad mini 2 with a higher-definition screen will go on sale at the end of this month.