âiWin' an iPad2 from Contract Magazine

06 April, 2011

Are your designs digitally inspired? Contract, along with a variety of progressive sponsors, are looking to keep designers on the forefront of innovation by giving away an Apple iPad2 to over a dozen* lucky winners, at NeoConR 2011.
Enter to win by subscribing to Contract’s digital edition magazine at www.omeda.com/ncon between April 2 and June 2. Or, you can register onsite at NeoConR by dropping off your business card at one of the participating showrooms. One iPad2 will be given away at NeoConR 2011 every hour*. Current subscribers may still enter by resubscribing to the digital edition between April 2 and June 2 to be eligible for the drawing.

Watch ContractDesign.com and the April, May, and June issues of Contract for updated sponsor information. Current sponsors, as of March 2011, include Andreu World America, Bolyu, Davis Furniture, IO Healthcare, KI, Keilhauer, Momentum Textiles, Petter Pepper Products, Sit On ItR Seating, Three H, 20-20 Technologies, and Vitra.

* Based on showroom participation. No purchase is necessary for entry, but winners must be present in sponsor showroom to claim their prize.

>> Check out the current Contract digital edition at www.contractdesign.com/digital

06 April, 2011

 Are your designs digitally inspired? Contract, along with a variety of progressive sponsors, are looking to keep designers on the forefront of innovation by giving away an Apple iPad2 to over a dozen* lucky winners, at NeoConR 2011.
Enter to win by subscribing to Contract’s digital edition magazine at www.omeda.com/ncon between April 2 and June 2. Or, you can register onsite at NeoConR by dropping off your business card at one of the participating showrooms. One iPad2 will be given away at NeoConR 2011 every hour*. Current subscribers may still enter by resubscribing to the digital edition between April 2 and June 2 to be eligible for the drawing.

Watch ContractDesign.com and the April, May, and June issues of Contract for updated sponsor information. Current sponsors, as of March 2011, include Andreu World America, Bolyu, Davis Furniture, IO Healthcare, KI, Keilhauer, Momentum Textiles, Petter Pepper Products, Sit On ItR Seating, Three H, 20-20 Technologies, and Vitra.

* Based on showroom participation. No purchase is necessary for entry, but winners must be present in sponsor showroom to claim their prize.

>> Check out the current Contract digital edition at www.contractdesign.com/digital

 

View the original article here

e-Cycle Declares April “Recycle Your Mobile Phone Month” - Giving Away iPad2 Tablets to Businesses

Mobile phone buyback and recycling company is offering organizations nationwide a chance to win one of four Apple iPad2 tablets for responsibly recycling their mobile devices.

Hilliard, Ohio (Vocus/PRWEB) April 05, 2011

Earth Day is April 22. To celebrate, e-Cycle has declared April “National Recycle Your Cell Phone Month” to help raise awareness for the growing e-waste problem with mobile devices, and as a reminder for organizations to implement responsible mobile phone recycling programs. As an incentive, e-Cycle is offering businesses and organizations a chance to win one of four Apple iPad2 tablets when they recycle and/or sell their used wireless devices with the company through May 31.

“We have kept more than 225,000 pounds of e-waste out of our landfills through our free recycling services for our enterprise clients, which means that millions of gallons of our drinking water have been protected from harmful toxins,” said Chris Irion, e-Cycle founder and CEO. “e-Cycle has also paid more than 12 million dollars to our partner companies through our mobile buyback services, allowing them to put money back into their telecom budgets to upgrade to the latest wireless technologies. The environmental and financial benefits of e-cycling wireless devices is clear and should be part of every organization’s sustainability plan.”

Irion said that e-Cycle works with nearly 7,000 organizations nationwide, including 16 of the Fortune 20, and has purchased or recycled more than five million devices since 2005. He said that nearly 65 percent of the devices the company receives still retain monetary value and can be reused in secondary markets where the older technologies are still valued and needed.

In addition to the iPad giveaway contest, e-Cycle will be hosting a booth for the U.S. Census Bureau’s Green IT Day in Washington D.C. on April 20, and in four cities for Verizon Wireless Earth Day promotions on April 22. More information about e-Cycle and the iPad2 giveaway contest can be found by visiting http://www.e-Cycle.com/Verizon.????

EPA Mobile e-Waste Quick Facts:
About 50 million cell phones are replaced worldwide a month, and only 10 percent are recycled.Recycling one million cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 1,368 cars off the road for a year.One cell phone has enough toxins—arsenic, mercury, and lead—to contaminate 40,000 gallons of water.The extreme amount of lead in electronics alone causes damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the blood and the kidneys.Reusing electronic devices saves up to 20 times more energy than recycling alone.

About e-Cycle LLC
Ranked the #8 fastest growing environmental services company in the U.S. by Inc. 500|5000, e-Cycle helps organizations and individuals take a more responsible, secure and cost-effective approach to wireless recycling. e-Cycle buys used iPhones, BlackBerrys, smartphones and other wireless devices that still retain value and recycles all others at no charge through an EPA-registered facility. The information on every device is either deleted or destroyed through rigorous mobile security measures. e-Cycle is also the official enterprise recycling partner of Verizon Wireless. e-Cycle has a 100 percent zero landfill policy.

Visit http://www.e-Cycle.com or contact gogreen(at)e-Cycle(dot)com or (877) 215-5255.

# # #

Paulie Anthony
e-Cycle
614-397-7490
Email Information

View the original article here

CasinoRoom.com giving away iPad2

Edison, NJ (Vocus/PRWEB) April 05, 2011

Bank Companion, a leading provider of mobile banking software to banks, community banks and credit unions around the world today announced integration with the Apple iPad2 for its industry leading mobile banking software platform.

iPad is fast becoming the most popular tablet device in the market. iPad sales reached 15 million units in 2010 with over 7.3 units sold in its last 3 months of 2010. Users fall into the 30-54 year-old demographic with Yahoo reporting that finance is one of the top areas of iPad usage.

Apple has made the iPad2 faster, thinner, lighter, more powerful and more versatile than the original iPad. The iPad2 also sports upgraded WiFi compatibility for much faster surfing and downloads when connected via hotspot.

Commenting on Bank Companion’s availability on the Apple iPad2, John Rovito, Bank Companion’s Senior Director for Sales & Marketing stated:

“Research organizations are predicting that tablet sales in the U.S. will overtake netbook sales by 2012, and desktop PC sales by 2015. More than 20 manufacturers have already annouced that they will release Tablet PCs similar to the iPad this year. Integration with the Apple iPad is therefore just another step in Bank Companion’s ongoing commitment to making its mobile banking platform available across all mobile channels and devices, not just smartphones but also each of the new Tablet PCs that enter the market and gain widespread use.”

About Bank Companion
Bank Companion (http://www.Bank-Companion.com) is an industry-leading mobile banking software platform that enables banks, community banks and credit unions to provide their customers with 24/7, anytime anywhere banking. Bank Companion gives financial institutions a competitive edge by integrating state-of-the-art technology with a host of innovative mobile marketing and advertising features. The result is a secure and scalable platform that helps your organization to increase loyalty, acquire new customers, cross-sell products plus much more. Visit our blog at http://www.MobileMavens.net.

Bank Companion is brought to you by ZSL, Inc., a global provider of software and technology services to the banking and financial sector (http://www.zsl.com). Headquartered in Edison, NJ, the company currently employs more than 3500 IT consultants worldwide. Additional offices include: U.K. Canada, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and India.

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View the original article here

The Apple Core Stood in Line for iPad2 -- Why??

This blog is written by a member of our expert blogging community and expresses that expert's views alone.

To most of us, I'm sure, the idea of waiting in line to buy the latest Apple gadget seems to be an absurd waste of time. But reframing the lining-up activity creates a different way of understanding why they do it.

Just over three weeks ago on a Friday, Apple released its updated version of the iPad. As is usually the case with Apple's new product releases, many of the faithful waited in line for hours--some for days--for the privilege of laying down a few Benjamins to be a first day owner of the device. For the pride of being an ultimate early adapter. I ran into such a line that Friday evening in the Chelsea district of New York while daughter and I were heading out to have a glass of wine at one of her favorite gathering spots. The line was 5-6 blocks long on that chilly Friday early evening and it took us a while to figure out what people were waiting for.

We finally passed the Apple store on 14th Street and did some people watching, as the Apple employees let 2-3 customers in at a time, smiles on their faces, bounces in their steps. The well-mannered crowd was not at all expressing any kind of noticeable impatience or angst at having to wait outside in sharp-winded 40 degree weather. I wondered if they would be as civil if this were a line for the DMV.

And as we drank our glass of overpriced Sancerre inside in the noisy and vibrant Standard Club bar, we talked about what we had seen. It didn't make sense. Cocktail hour on a Friday night in one of the coolest parts of NYC and people were waiting in line outside in the cold through their own volition to own a device arguably non-essential to their well-being and which they could in fact purchase the following day without waiting in any line at all. My thought process was summed up in a word: "Why?"

Sometimes choosing to wait in line has a very functional purpose. For a concert or athletic contest, there's a limited number of tickets and/or good seats, so waiting in line is part of the price to pay for admission or to snag that enviable seat. When they're gone, they're gone. Ditto for the queues that usually assemble in the early morning hours for Black Friday bargains, when retailers reward sharp elbows and bad manners by slashing prices on selected items for the first few customers.

But waiting for an iPad2 is not like that. There is an almost unlimited supply and the product is the same whether purchased that day or the next week. This is more like the Star Wars fans who would wait in lawn chairs and tents for days to see the movie on opening day, causing those of us who are more "practical" to wonder if those people have jobs. Or lives. Like the Apple device, the movie was available for days and even weeks. Again, why?

But I've concluded that waiting in line for the iPad2 (or Star Wars) is indeed not rational because "rational" has to do with the head. Waiting in line for a new Apple product has to do with the heart. It's about passion and insane commitment for Apple and anything Apple. It's about appreciating Apple coolness and making a public demonstration that you are a disciple, a true believer of the brand.

I've also concluded that waiting in line that Friday night was not a "task" at all for those enthusiasts, it was part of a fun event. It's like the reception line at a wedding--it's part of the ceremony, of the rite. I think those of us who take a cost-benefit utilitarian view of waiting in line to buy something are missing the point in this situation. Wasting time? Are you kidding? Standing in line surrounded by others who have the same quirky, quasi-geeky appreciation, Facebook friending the person next to you, comparing points-of-view about technology, swapping stories about waiting in line for other Apple releases, discussing the jobs situation or the Jobs situation--it's an event, it's a happening.

I'd still never wait in line myself, but I think I finally get why some people do.

Mike Hoban is a management consultant in his day job and can be contacted at business-at-large@sbcglobal.net

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iPad2: Not That Big Of A Deal?

Eyewitnesses claim to have seen a prototype. Some say it has several new features, others say they weren't blown away... Tags: iPad, Apple, mobility, wireless, iPhone, February 03, 2011

Just like photos of the iPhone4 were "mysteriously" released on the web a few months before the Apple gadget hit the market, pictures of the iPad2 have just surfaced online.

Mac repair shop iFixYouri posted the photos, which it says are of an iPad 2 sent from China. So what's new? Cue drum roll...

...Well not that much, apparently. The site says the second-generation Apple tablet will have a slightly thinner LCD screen - a difference of about one millimeter. It will also have a lighter display and a slightly different cable connector -- but the same resolution as its predecessor.

"Honestly, we were hoping to be blown away, but we're not ... " iFixYouri said in the post.

But wait a second, maybe there is more to it than meets the eye.

 

A Reuters employee claims to have seen a prototype of the device at Rupert Murdoch's launch of "The Daily," NewsCorp's digital newspaper, in New York City yesterday.

The iPad2, the staffer says, has a front-facing camera at the top edge of the glass screen. Meanwhile, manufacturing sources have said it will have two cameras - one in the front and one in the back - enabling users to make video calls. Apple is offering no comments.

The next version of Apple's popular tablet computer is expected to be announced in the next few months.

The original iPad was released in April and sold nearly 15 million units by the end of the year.

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Isp.org.cn Reports: Sales of Ipad2 Reached New High in March

Posted on: Thursday, 7 April 2011, 04:35 CDT

Beijing, Apr 7, 2011 - (ACN Newswire) - Isp.org.cn (http://www.isp.org.cn/products/) latest report shows that the sales of Apple's iPad 2 surpassed iPad 1 in March, as the shipment volume reached 2.4 million units.

Isp.org.cn analyzes that the as for monthly shipments in Q2, iPad 2 willgrow from 4 million units to 4.5 million units, and the total volume of shipments in Q2 will reach 12 million units. Isp.org.cn reports that the sales speed of ipad 2 far exceeds the ipad 1.

Isp.org.cn's analyst points out that Apple and other tablet manufacturers which are successful depend on the enough touch screens

. To reach 2011 sales targets, Apple needs manufacturers to supply a stable source of goods.

iPad 2 was out of stock in March, so we can know that Apple exhausted all sources of goods. If the components manufacturers' prediction were right, it means that Apple has sold at least 2.4 million iPad 2 in March.

Isp.org.cn points out that compared with iPad 2, the iPad 1 needed only 28 days to sell 1 million units, andthere was only the Wifi version in the first month of last year as iPad launched. But this year, iPad 2 launched with the Wifi and 3G versions.

About Isp.org.cn

Isp.org.cn is a promising e-commerce company and a leading vertical search engine company in China. Isp.org.cn offers a variety of high quality products such as rectangular patio umbrella (http://www.isp.org.cn/rectangular_patio_umbrella-products.html), hand held bidet (http://www.isp.org.cn/hand_held_bidet-products.html), peerless tv mounts (http://www.isp.org.cn/peerless_tv_mounts-products.html) and many more.

Source: Isp.org.cn

Contact: http://www.isp.org.cn Tel: +86-10-65569770 Email: my@isp.org.cn >

Copyright 2011 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved.

Source: acnnewswire

More News in this Category

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MaaS360 Webinar Pits iPad2 Vs. Xoom:The Enterprise Mobility Battle is On

Mobile Device Management Leader Stages Prizefight for Enterprise Domination Between the iPad2 and Motorola Xoom, One Attendee Will Have the Chance to Win the Tablet of Their Choice

Blue Bell, Pa. (Vocus/PRWEB) April 13, 2011

MaaS360R, the Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) company, today announced a free Webinar titled “iPad2 vs. Xoom- the Enterprise Mobility Battle is On,” scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Fiberlink’s Donna Lima and Josh Lambert will square off in the ring, presenting the pros and cons of the iPad2 and Android-powered Motorola Xoom. During the Webinar, Fiberlink will also announce an unprecedented giveaway, providing details on how one lucky attendee can win tablet of their choice.

Tablets are becoming more powerful and popular every day, with the iPad and Xoom as the top contenders. The tablet marketplace is shaping up to be the most important battleground in enterprise mobility for 2011. Which device will knock out the competitor? Join Fiberlink’s experts to see the battle go down as Donna Lima and Josh Lambert highlight the key features in the iPad2 and the Xoom that help make end users as productive as possible, while letting IT teams sleep at night. To attend the webinar and learn how to win the tablet of your choice, register at http://links.maas360.com/MORE-iPad2-vs-Xoom?a=pr.

This event is part of MaaS360’s Mobility Operations, Resources and Experts (MORE) series of Webinars that provide information on how to get more from mobility investments. Twice every month, MaaS360 provides IT leaders and managers with insights, best practices, and expertise from Fiberlink’s Customer Platform Services (CPS) team.

What: Webinar titled “iPad2 vs. Xoom- the Enterprise Mobility Battle is On”

Who: Fiberlink’s Donna Lima and Josh Lambert

When: Thursday, April 14, 2011, 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. PT

Register: http://links.maas360.com/MORE-iPad2-vs-Xoom?a=pr

About MaaS360
MaaS360R, the leader in mobile device management is the creator and developer of cloud-based Mobility as a Service (MaaS) solutions. The company’s MaaS360 platform enables IT to manage laptops, desktops and smartphones, such as the Android and iPhone, as well as tablet devices such as the iPad, in one window, one system. The company’s MaaS360 mobility infrastructure and subscription services have revolutionized how enterprises and business users share and secure information over the Internet. The MaaS360 platform ensures reliable, secure and compliant mobile working for employees, while delivering unprecedented Mobility Intelligence? to senior management and IT operations. MaaS360 is a recognized leader in mobile device management, helping both Global 2000 companies and smaller businesses cost-effectively support expanding mobile workforces and use mobile devices to remain competitive in today's economy. Additional information about MaaS360 is available at http://www.maas360.com.

c 2011 MaaS360 and the MaaS360 logo are trademarks of MaaS360 and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective partners.

###

Joe Palladino or Lesley Sullivan
Fiberlink Communications Corporation
(781) 684-0770
Email Information

View the original article here

UPDATE: Too Hot To Handle

By Lindsey Reiser - Multimedia JournalistThursday, April 7, 2011 - 10:43am

EL PASO - Former firefighter Hector Camacho was fired up after the charger for his brand new IPad2 overheated. He sent it back after it nearly burnt his fingers but he said Apple was taking its time in sending him a new one.

After our report, Apple said they would overnight a new IPad and a new cover for his trouble.

But they sent the IPad without the charger and without the cover - so he couldn't even use it. Well, Hector told us he finally received the charger and cover in the mail. We're happy to report case closed.

---

Original story: http://www.ktsm.com/news/troubleshooters/troubleshooters-el-pasoans-ipad-overheats-cant-get-response-from-apple

View the original article here

Brand New & Unlocked Apple IPAD2 64GB Wi-Fi-3G...............$500us Dollars

 

Whole Sales Mall

We are importer & exporter dealers on all brand new models of electronics such as mobile phones, ipods and playstation 3 at very cheap price with complete accessories. We are good / great in selling to bulks buyers and also individuals buyers.

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Apple iPhone 4G HD 32GB for sale $500us Dollars. /// Apple IPAD2 64GB Wi-Fi-3G for sale $500us Dollars.

Price: RM 500.00

View the original article here

iResQ Continues to Provide iPad2 Repair Services for All Fifty U.S. States

Olathe, Kansas (PRWEB) April 12, 2011

The appearance of Apple’s iPad in 2010 took the tech-consumer work by storm, with over 15 million of the units selling in just nine months. iResQ was there, assisting their mail-order clients with iPad repairs such as glass/digitizer replacements, headphone jack replacement or repair, and free iPad diagnostics and repair estimates for their customers. In almost all cases, the cost for repair was much less than the cost of buying a new iPad.

The new iPad 2 promises to be more exciting than the original model, and iResQ is committed to providing a number of iPad2 repairs for owners of the remarkably lightweight & slender, portable information processing system, featuring the same rapid shipping and repair services that have made iResQ known across the country for their speed, accuracy and affordability.

“We were really psyched about the iPad 2 and its slimmer, lighter body,” confessed Keith Melendez of iResQ. “It looks great and users really seem to like its more advanced features and radical usability. That said, accident DO happen, but we’re here for our customers 52 weeks a year, and we want to fix any damaged iPad2 and send it back to its owner good-as new.” Melendez continues, “It's actually pretty amazing how early on we started repairing these. The iPad 2 was released on a Friday, and we were getting repair inquiries from customers who already damaged their iPad 2's on the following Monday. Since then, iPad 2 repairs have been steadily coming in to our repair facility.”

With iResQ’s specially designed iPad Box for trouble-free shipping to their headquarters from anywhere in the United Sates, the Olathe, Kansas-based company can make repairs to damaged iPad 2s as well as other handheld devices from Apple and send them speeding back to their owners – usually within 2 work days. iPad 2 repairs such as LCD screen replacements, headphone jack repairs or replacements, glass digitizer replacements, and even liquid and water damage repairs are no trouble for iResQ – who feature certified Macintosh technicians in an authorized Apple facility setting.

“We really enjoy helping our customers save money and keep their trusted handhelds out of the trash," Melendez explained with a smile. “It’s the eco AND the economic best thing to do and we’ve gotten very good at doing it. I guess that’s why we’re a growing business in a downturned economy – smart service, fast, with reasonable pricing. We want our customers to keep their iPad 2s for a long time.”

About iResq

iResQ is an Apple-authorized repair facility that employs Macintosh-certified technicians to diagnose, repair and replace a variety of Apple products. iResQ specializes in iPhone repairs, iPod repairs and services for other Apple products. The company is based in Olathe, Kansas, but the vast majority of orders come to the store via mail. iResQ offers 24-hour service on your favorite Apple products, and they’ve been performing desktop, notebook, iPod and iPhone repair since 1994.

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View the original article here

Accessory Workshop Has iPad2 Covered

Press Release Source: Accessory Workshop On Wednesday March 30, 2011, 3:06 pm EDT

PARAMUS, N.J., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Accessory Workshop, makers of tyPad?, the original Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad?, announced today that new production will be compatible with Apple's iPad 2. ?tyPad for iPad 2 will be available mid-April with a suggested retail price of $99.99. Their original tyPad for iPad will continue to be available as well.

Accessory Workshop also confirmed that its tyPillow? (a must-have super-soft pillow showing off iPad's softer side) and PadStand?(a virtually indestructible iPad stand)? will both be compatible with the iPad 2 platform.

This news follows the success of Accessory Workshop's Gen II tyPad for iPad launch, boasting dual shift keys, longer battery life, shorter charge time, and a host of other features.? tyPad continues to be one of the most reviewed and best bang for the buck keyboard and case combinations in the market. It was recently featured on MSNBC's "Tech Check,"? KUSI-TV's "Good Morning San Diego," and C-NET TV. tyPad is also receiving coverage in newspapers throughout the nation.

Accessory Workshop is hard at work developing its latest high-tech accessory for the new iPad.? AW remains tight-lipped about this new product but did mention that it would be available by the middle of the 3rd quarter.

tyPad is available at over 30 retailers nationwide.? Accessory Workshop warmly welcomes The Sharper Image (http://www.sharperimage.com) as its newest tyPad retailer. Product can also be purchased at www.buytypad.com.? For more information about Accessory Workshop and its products, please visit www.accessoryworkshop.com or (http://www.facebook.com/tyPAD).

View the original article here

Toys 'R' Us to sell Apple iPad2

NEW YORK, April 7 (UPI) -- Technology trackers said Thursday that U.S. retail giant Toys "R" Us would soon be selling Apple's hot-selling iPad2.

Web site ModMyi reported that a Toys "R" Us employee had sent it training material for iPad2 sales.

The material reviews iPad2 features and lists "accessories available at 'R' Us."

Intomobile reported the device is available at 10,000 retail outlets, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Radio Shack. Toys "R" Us also carries Apple's iPod.

A recent survey showed a move to a Toys "R" Us customer base might be a wise move for Apple. A Piper Jaffray survey said 20 percent of teenagers recently indicated they intended to buy a computer tablet within the next six months.

View the original article here

UW-Parkside chapter of American Marketing Association raffling of new 16GB Apple iPad2

SOMERS - The University of Wisconsin-Parkside chapter of the American Marketing Association is raffling off a new 16GB Apple iPad2 to raise funds for the student organization. Tickets are now on sale with the final drawing at noon April 13 in the Student Center Poplar Room.

Armed with a plan full of creative marketing ideas and sheer determination, David Adrian, PAMA's executive vice president, stood in line for more than six hours waiting to buy the iPad2 from a local retailer. He even camped outside the store to make sure he was the first person in line and the first person in town to purchase Apple's most desirable new gadget the moment it hit the market. Investing his own money, Adrian purchased the iPad2 for the PAMA fundraiser.

Instead of opting for the traditional car wash or bake sale, Adrian and PAMA members decided to push the limits of student fundraising with their raffle. Without sponsorship or any profit guarantees, the student organization began by forecasting how many tickets it needed to sell and the best sale price to recoup the purchase cost of the iPad2 and, hopefully, make a substantial profit for PAMA and its future members.

In Wisconsin, raffle winners need not be present to collect prizes, so the young marketers needed a creative way to involve everyone who supported the raffle, whether they were present for the drawing or not. Chapter president Sierra West suggested videotaping the drawing and posting it on the Internet. This drawing creates more marketing possibilities for PAMA students.

"If we have video, then we have the opportunity to sell commercial or sponsorship spots, which can help support the raffle itself," said Adrian.

In addition to allowing club members to attend conferences and the like, funds from the iPad2 raffle will be the nest egg for future PAMA members.

"We're going to invest the money in the legacy of the club. We're trying to establish the PAMA ‘brand' for future students. We also want to help seniors who are active in the club now by networking as much as possible, so they can reflect positively on PAMA in their future careers and in their communities," he said.

For information on purchasing tickets or becoming a PAMA raffle sponsor, call Adrian at (262) 994-3794 or email

pama@uwp.edu

View the original article here

iNsane? Auburn, Maine, Is Giving an iPad2 to Every Kindergarten Student

Maine (who would have guessed?) continues to lead the way in education technology. Not only is the state an international leader in tech literacy due to their one-to-one laptop program for middle and high school students, now one small town plans to give an iPad 2 to every kindergarten student.

The school board in Auburn, population 24,000, voted unanimously to provide the tablets to 285 kindergarteners and their teachers. At $475 a pop, the investment will cost around $200,000, but the board hopes the tablets will help boost literacy from 62 percent to 90 percent by 2013. Superintendent Tom Morrill says the investment's worth it, calling the devices "essential" and saying they're "even more important than a book." Morrill hopes to make the investment an annual one, giving iPads to every following class. His plan is to pay for the devices with private donations, but if that falls through, the bill will fall to the city's taxpayers.

Not all taxpayers are thrilled about that possibility. Nicole Fortin told the Bangor Daily News she thinks the idea's "crazy." Taxpayers are already strapped and worries about about kids breaking the devices—the students will get to take the iPads home—are rampant. "This is a lot to put in the hands of a 5-year-old," says Fortin. With student addiction to media now the norm, parents are also concerned about giving so much screen time to such young kids.

But, in the video above, you can see how excited the students are to learn their letters using downloadable apps, and the state's laptop program has boosted student achievement. What do you think? Should kindergarteners stick to "old school" books or is Auburn on the right track?

photo via The Apple Bites

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Gadget freaks' new fetish - iPad2

Gadget freaks' new fetish - iPad2Priyanka Joshi / Mumbai?April 07, 2011, 0:29 IST

As the original iPad has completed a year, its new version — iPad2 — has taken the Indian market by storm. Launched on March 25 in 26 countries across the globe — it was launched in the US earlier — the tablet PC is certainly the hottest gadget around. Or that’s what it seems with the demand it has generated in the Indian grey market.

Mumbai’s gadget freaks found Apple’s latest tablet PC — yet to be launched in India — at the Heera Panna market. Even eBay, the online auction site, sports several listings of iPad2, also offering to home-deliver the device for prices starting at Rs 36,000.

If grey market suppliers are to be believed, there are thousands of fans who have already bought their iPad2 and iPhone 4. A retailer, who owns four electronics shops in Hyderabad’s Jagdish market, says, “We are selling 5-6 iPad2 every week. Even the original iPad, before its launch, sold just 2-3 units a week.”

In New Delhi’s Palika Bazaar, an electronics store offered a second hand iPad 2 — on claims that it was barely used it for a few days — for Rs 33,000.

The newest iPad is touted to be thinner, faster and features a pair of cameras for video chat. Apple has kept the starting price of both, iPad and iPad2, at $499.

Anticipating the Indian demand, online sellers Prateek and Hitesh who sell electronics products on eBay, pre-ordered five iPad2 tablet PCs from the US at the time of the launch. “We sold our first iPad2 in India to a buyer in Gujarat for Rs 46,000 (32-GB model). We now have seven iPad2 sourced from Singapore that we intend to sell online,” they added.

?Discussion Board / User Comments ?

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Sporcle’s 500 Million Game Play Sweepstakes – Win an Apple iPad2

Posted on: Saturday, 16 April 2011, 00:00 CDT

The countdown has begun. Sporcle is nearing the 500 millionth game to be played mark and as part of the countdown celebration, Sporcle is giving away an Apple iPad2 to the user who plays that 500 millionth game.

Seattle, Wash., and San Francisco, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB) April 15, 2011

The countdown has begun. Sporcle, the fun and addictive trivia game and quiz website and mobile application, is nearing the 500 millionth game to be played mark since its inception in 2007. As part of the countdown celebration to this games played milestone, Sporcle is giving away an Apple iPad2 to the user who plays that 500 millionth game.

“Sporcle’s users have given us a lot with their dedicated game play, innovative online quizzes and help in improving the user experience for all online game players, so we wanted to give back,” said Ali Aydar, CEO, Sporcle. “Reaching the 500 million games played milestone is a great achievement, and as a thank you we wanted to give back to one lucky user, by giving away an iPad 2.”

To enter the sweepstakes, register and verify a free account on Sporcle and play the 500 millionth game. More information and contest rules are available on the Sporcle 500 Million Sweepstakes page. Whether it’s a user that signed up for a free account years ago, or a user that is signing up today, they are both eligible. Once a registered account has been created and verified, the next step is start playing one of the thousands of online games that Sporcle has to offer. As the games played tracker nears the milestone, one lucky Sporcle online trivia quiz player will help role the tracker number from 499,999,999 over to 500,000,000.

Join us at Sporcle and start playing one of thousands of our fun and addictive quizzes, from a variety of categories. From sports trivia games, to geography quizzes, you’ll find great brain-busting games. And who knows, you may just win an Apple iPad 2.

About Sporcle
Sporcle offers online trivia games and quizzes through the Sporcle.com website and mobile applications for the iPhone, iPad, and Android platforms. Founded in 2007, Sporcle came to life with the response to its first quiz, naming the U.S. Presidents. As avid crossword, Jeopardy! and trivia fans, the original quiz was not only to test knowledge, but also as a way to learn a piece of information that seemed to come up again and again.

Sporcle continues to create quizzes for entertainment, memory and diversion. You can play one of the thousands of quizzes and trivia games or create your own games!

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Bank Companion Now Available for the Apple iPad2

Edison, NJ (Vocus/PRWEB) April 05, 2011

Bank Companion, a leading provider of mobile banking software to banks, community banks and credit unions around the world today announced integration with the Apple iPad2 for its industry leading mobile banking software platform.

iPad is fast becoming the most popular tablet device in the market. iPad sales reached 15 million units in 2010 with over 7.3 units sold in its last 3 months of 2010. Users fall into the 30-54 year-old demographic with Yahoo reporting that finance is one of the top areas of iPad usage.

Apple has made the iPad2 faster, thinner, lighter, more powerful and more versatile than the original iPad. The iPad2 also sports upgraded WiFi compatibility for much faster surfing and downloads when connected via hotspot.

Commenting on Bank Companion’s availability on the Apple iPad2, John Rovito, Bank Companion’s Senior Director for Sales & Marketing stated:

“Research organizations are predicting that tablet sales in the U.S. will overtake netbook sales by 2012, and desktop PC sales by 2015. More than 20 manufacturers have already annouced that they will release Tablet PCs similar to the iPad this year. Integration with the Apple iPad is therefore just another step in Bank Companion’s ongoing commitment to making its mobile banking platform available across all mobile channels and devices, not just smartphones but also each of the new Tablet PCs that enter the market and gain widespread use.”

About Bank Companion
Bank Companion (http://www.Bank-Companion.com) is an industry-leading mobile banking software platform that enables banks, community banks and credit unions to provide their customers with 24/7, anytime anywhere banking. Bank Companion gives financial institutions a competitive edge by integrating state-of-the-art technology with a host of innovative mobile marketing and advertising features. The result is a secure and scalable platform that helps your organization to increase loyalty, acquire new customers, cross-sell products plus much more. Visit our blog at http://www.MobileMavens.net.

Bank Companion is brought to you by ZSL, Inc., a global provider of software and technology services to the banking and financial sector (http://www.zsl.com). Headquartered in Edison, NJ, the company currently employs more than 3500 IT consultants worldwide. Additional offices include: U.K. Canada, France, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and India.

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Chinese using iPad2 to please the dead

Niluksi Koswanage

KUALA LUMPUR: Apple's iPad 2 shortage has spread to the afterlife as Chinese families in Malaysia rush to buy paper replicas of the popular new gadget to burn for their dead as part of a centuries-old rite.

During the Qingming festival, also known as the tomb sweeping festival, Chinese communities in Asia honor their ancestors by burning fake money or replicas of luxury items such as flashy cars and designer bags.

Also read: Tablets are more than just 'Toy' for enterprises too

The festival, which stems from Confucian teachings of loyalty to family and tradition, is also celebrated widely among the Chinese in Malaysia, who make up a quarter of the 28 million people in the mostly Muslim but multicultural country.

"Some of my customers have dreams where their departed relatives will ask for luxury items including the iPad 2," said prayer item shopkeeper Jeffrey Te as he filled cardboard chests with fake money at his shop on the outskirts of the capital.

"I can only offer them the first iPad model," he added, pointing to shelves stocked with the gadget along with paper iPhones and Samsung Galaxy Tabs.

Te shipped in 300 iPad 2 replica sets from China for the Qingming festival, which has just flown off the shelves and left him struggling to meet demand -- a scenario Apple Inc also faces.

In Te's shop, the first and second generation paper iPads sell at a dollar for 888 gigabyte capacity, an auspicious number in Chinese culture. A basic 16 gigabyte iPad for the living costs $499.

For some Chinese, technological gadgets will not be part of the shopping list for their dead relatives.

"They belong to the older generation. If you give all these so-called iPads, they don't know how to use it," said Thomas Soong, 61, as he set fire to a pile of fake money at his grandmother's grave on the fringes of the Malaysian capital.

"So traditionally we give them shoes, shirts ... all the necessities," he added.

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Apple Absorbs Increased Costs To Continue iPad2 Shipments

Posted by Madalena David

The earthquake in the Japanese archipelago not only affected the human inhabitants of Japan, but also the business environment at a global level. The technology sector is particular is now facing, and will continue to face, hardships due to Japan’s leader position in the chip-making sector, flash memory and more. Earlier this month, on the launch of the iPad 2, Apple’s website mentioned a waiting period of 1-2 weeks for shipping the tablet, whereas after the Japanese earthquake, the period extended to 4-5 weeks, Apple importing many of its components from Japan. At the middle of this month, the price of chip memory skyrocketed:

Stuart Jeffrey, analyst at Nomura, said: “The revenue exposure towards those high-end Japanese components is highest at HTC, followed by Apple, Nokia, Research in Motion, Motorola Mobility and Sony Ericsson.”

Apple announced it would absorb the increased costs caused by the supply disruption of component in Japan in order to ‘secure sufficient supply of touch panels. It has been suggested that Apple makes use of 60 percent of the global supply chain touch panel capacity.’ Apple aims at shipping four million iPad2 units in the second quarter of this year, and surely needs some assurance that the supply of components will not be discontinued. At the moment, Apple’s stocks would last for only ?the next two months.

“However, for other tablet PC vendors, purchasing pressure will increase and if they are unable to absorb the extra costs, which will only give Apple more advantages in the market,” the report noted.

Apple’s stock shares fell to $348.63, but regained their position at $349.99.

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iPad2 'disappoints' fans in Chinese mainland

Right after iPad2 being on the market of 25 countries out of America, including France, Germany, United Kingdom and Australia, it is going to meet Asian fans in April. However, what disappoints fans in Chinese mainland is its landing on the market is still not on the schedule yet.

According to Apple's plan, iPad2 was firstly on sale in America since March 11 and in other 26 countries and regions since March 25, including Japan, whose plan got postponed due to the 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit the country on March 11.

But, fans in Chinese Hong Kong eventually see the dawn since Apple said recently that iPad2 is going to be on sale in Hong Kong in this April.

Regarding iPad2 is not bond to Chinese mainland temporarily, Chang Xiaobing, the president of China Unicom, told press that they still had no specific schedule on introducing the product; but, since they already had a good cooperation with Apple Inc. and Apple also values Chinese market very much, Chang believe both sides would actively to promote the entering of iPad2.

Attribution of iPad's trademark affects its entering

Although iPad2 disappoints fans in Chinese mainland, they are not getting mad, in contrast, they figures out some understandable reasons to forgive it.

Among the reasons, the dispute on iPad's ownership of trademark is the most reliable one.

Just one week before Apple launching iPad2 in American market, the dispute on iPad's trademark ownership was filed in law procedure.

In 2000, the iPad trademark was registered in many countries and regions respectively by Proview Technology (Taiwan) under Proview International Corporation and Proview (Shenzhen) registered iPad's trademark in Chinese mainland in 2001, while Apple did not have the iPad tablet PC that year.

When Apple planned to release the product of iPad in 2006, it found that the ownership of its trademark belonged to Proview. Apple tried some times to sue Proview for rush-registering , but failed.

On Dec. 23 of 2009, Proview (Taiwan) sold the global trademark of "iPad" to IPADL, a British company, for 35 thousands ponds, and the IPADL transferred it go Apple in February of 2010 and charged only 10 ponds.

Apple insists that Proview signed an agreement on transferring global trademark of "iPad" to IPADL and the trademark belonged to Proview (Shenzhen) should be included into the agreement. But Proview (Shenzhen) doesn't believe so and insists that its Taiwan counterpart cannot represent it.

Who would finally has the ownership of the trademark is still not sure by now, but one thing is certain that Apple would never give up the Chinese market.

"iPad" v.s. "xPad"

Although iPad2 is not able of entering Chinese market currently, it doesn't mean Chinese market on tablet PC will be quiet. Various tablets PC have just started completing, such as "LePad" and "TouchPad", which could be called "xPad fighting."

As a loyal follower of Apple, Lenovo launched LePhone and LePad as response to iPhone and iPad within a year.

Although LePad's marking is not quite well as iPad, Liu Chuanzhi, the founder of Lenovo, is still very confidence in his products due to "the relationship between LePad and Chinese market is much closer."

Yang Yuanqing, CEO of Lenovo, revealed that they would launch the iPad2 before the yearend.

By Wang Hanlu, People's Daily Online

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Accessory Workshop Has iPad2 Covered

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 March 2011, 14:06 CDT

PARAMUS, N.J., March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Accessory Workshop, makers of tyPad(TM), the original Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad(TM), announced today that new production will be compatible with Apple's iPad 2. tyPad for iPad 2 will be available mid-April with a suggested retail price of $99.99. Their original tyPad for iPad will continue to be available as well.

Accessory Workshop also confirmed that its tyPillow(TM) (a must-have super-soft pillow showing off iPad's softer side) and PadStand(TM)(a virtually indestructible iPad stand) will both be compatible with the iPad 2 platform.

This news follows the success of Accessory Workshop's Gen II tyPad for iPad launch, boasting dual shift keys, longer battery life, shorter charge time, and a host of other features. tyPad continues to be one of the most reviewed and best bang for the buck keyboard and case combinations in the market. It was recently featured on MSNBC's "Tech Check," KUSI-TV's "Good Morning San Diego," and C-NET TV. tyPad is also receiving coverage in newspapers throughout the nation.

Accessory Workshop is hard at work developing its latest high-tech accessory for the new iPad. AW remains tight-lipped about this new product but did mention that it would be available by the middle of the 3rd quarter.

tyPad is available at over 30 retailers nationwide. Accessory Workshop warmly welcomes The Sharper Image (http://www.sharperimage.com) as its newest tyPad retailer. Product can also be purchased at www.buytypad.com. For more information about Accessory Workshop and its products, please visit www.accessoryworkshop.com or (http://www.facebook.com/tyPAD).

Contact: Kimberly Hotz Accessory Workshop 888-691-3047 ext. 706 kimhotz@accessoryworkshop.com

SOURCE Accessory Workshop

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Have you Heard? The Geeks are Giving Away a Brand New iPad 2 Over at AccessoryGeeks.com

Posted on: Saturday, 2 April 2011, 00:00 CDT

AccessoryGeeks, a leading online retailer of cell phone accessories, iPod accessories, and iPad accessories, announced that they will be giving away an iPad2 in May to one loyal customer & the new Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed Limited Edition XBOX 360 game to 3 other lucky winners!

Walnut, CA (Vocus/PRWEB) April 01, 2011

AccessoryGeeks, a leading online retailer of cell phone accessories, iPod accessories, and iPad accessories, announced that they will be gathering entries for an iPad 2 giveaway April 1, 2011. This is a great chance for customers all over the U.S. and Canada to get their entries in and win the hot new hand held gadget this spring.

The Geeks decided that they wanted to give back to their customers even more in 2011. This iPad 2 giveaway seemed like a great way to do just that. Although they wish that they could supply every one of their customers with an iPad2, it just wasn’t in the budget for May. From April 1, 2011-April 30, 2011 the Geeks will be collecting entries from customers all over the nation who are itching to get their hands on the iPad2.

Loyal fans and customers have six different opportunities to get their name in the hat before April 30. The Geeks are utilizing their social media platforms for customer entries into the contest. iPad2 giveaway hopefuls can visit the AccessoryGeeks Facebook page for two entry opportunities, the AccessoryGeeks YouTubepage for another two entry opportunities, the AccessoryGeeks Twitter for a re-tweet entry opportunity, and finally AccessoryGeeks MySpace page for one last entry opportunity.

Giveaway participants who don’t end up winning the iPad 2 have no need to fret. The Geeks are also giving away 3 Need For Speed Shift 2 Unleashed Limited Edition XBOX 360 games! This game is rated E for Everyone so it’s good for the kids or the child that’s within any age Geek. Fans are encouraged to check the AccessoryGeeks Facebook for the official winner’s announcement on May 6, 2011. As they say, many will enter, few will win, but the Geeks encourage all giveaway participants to shop with them for low prices, free shipping, and great customer support. That makes everyone a winner! The iPad2 giveaway information can be found on the AccessoryGeeks site.

Karen Kang, Vice President of AccessoryGeeks shared, “The Geeks here at AccessoryGeeks headquarters are very excited about the iPad2 giveaway this April. I would love to hold on to the iPad2 but love the idea that one of our loyal customers will be enjoying it even more. We are excited to get our returning customers involved and really reach out to new customers through our future giveaways, contests, and media. Remember to check the AccessoryGeeks Facebook May 6, 2011 to see if you've won! And remember! You got it from A Geek!”

The Geeks encourage everyone to join in on the iPad2 giveaway. The Geeks also want to remind everyone their special offers, deals, coupons, and giveaways are frequently released through their social media platforms. Staying in touch through these sites is effortless and can help reap great rewards for Geeks everywhere.

About AccessoryGeeks.com
The Geeks are intentional in applying our Geek Values to enhance our customer support, to provide unconventional and innovative products, and to build A Geek memory with all of our customers, that is only available at AccessoryGeeks. Visit our site for all company information, reviews, interviews and cell phone accessories or call toll free 1-866-433-5793 Monday through Friday 8am-4pm PST and remember! You got it from A Geek.

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Apple Gets Set for iPad2 Boost

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RadioShack on Neutral Zone

{"s" : "aapl,rsh,s,t,tgt","k" : "a00,a50,b00,b60,c10,g00,h00,l10,p20,t10,v00","o" : "","j" : ""} Zacks Equity Research, On Tuesday March 29, 2011, 11:15 am EDT

We are upgrading our recommendation on RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH - News) to Neutral based on (1) its current valuation (2) launch of iPAD2 in its 500 stores from March 29, 2011. The stock price has plummeted nearly 37.5% in the last year and is now trading at the low-end of RadioShack’s 52-week price range. We believe current valuation of RadioShack may provide a cushion for a further downside.

The wireless category, which represents one-third of total sales, is likely to continue its impressive performance in near future. RadioShack generated increased revenue from Sprint Nextel and AT&T postpaid wireless business. The company now offers a broad range of products from AT&T (NYSE: T - News), Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S - News), and T-Mobile. RadioShack enriched its leading-edge wireless product portfolio by adding Apple Inc’s (NasdaqGS: AAPL - News) legendary smartphone iPhone 4.?

In a major strategic decision, RadioShack has decided to sell Apple’s iPAD 2 tablet from March 29, 2011. Initially, iPAD 2 will be available in 500 RadioShack stores. Apple’s iPAD2 is the most sought after tablets in the U.S. market. Like smartphone, the tablet market is growing rapidly and as of now, iPAD2 is the undisputed leader in this market. Rapidly growing mobile tablets have become next-generation choice taking over market share from laptops and personal computers. Tablets and smartphones are the two clear winners of the immensely competitive mobile gadget market. Both these products offer high margins. With iPAD2, RadioShack can now become a formidable player in the wireless devices segment.

Nevertheless, a major near-term concern for RadioShack is the significant decline of its gross margin. In the fourth quarter of 2010, gross margin was 41% compared with 43.9% in the prior-year quarter and 45.4% in the previous quarter. Management cited precipitous decline of electronics accessories business and an unfavorable product-mix toward low-margin mobile handsets are the primary reasons for this poor margin. Importantly, RadioShack announced that this trend will continue in near future due to revamping of the core retail electronics segment and large-scale deployment of wireless kiosks inside Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT - News) stores.

AT&T INC (T): Read the Full Research Report

SPRINT NEXTEL CORP (S): Read the Full Research Report

APPLE INC (AAPL): Read the Full Research Report

RADIOSHACK CORP (RSH): Read the Full Research Report

TARGET CORP (TGT): Read the Full Research Report

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Increase Your Chance of Winning The iPad2!

You like us and we like you so let's work together!

Right now, you can win an iPad2 just by "Liking" us on www.facebook.com/wreg3

Tonight at 10pm, we'll announce the winner on WREG News Channel 3 and on www.facebook.com/wreg3

Even if you don't win the iPad2, don't worry because we're giving away a different gift each night at 10pm on www.facebook.com/wreg3
The Key To Winning:

The key to winning is getting your Facebook friends involved! Each winner we've had has had multiple entries because they invited their friends to enter. Each friend that enters wins you a Bonus entry to win the iPad2! Just paste this into your status update:

WREG News Channel 3 is giving away an iPad2. Lets help each other win. Click the link I've attached and enter the contest. Then ask your friends to enter with the same link. Each friend that enters gets you a Bonus enrtry! Good luck. Watch News Channel 3 tonight at 10 to see who wins! http://woobox.com/ir2ovb

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Australian iPad2 scalpers make a killing

ASHER MOSES

Australians desperate to buy an iPad 2 are spending hundreds of dollars more than the retail price to secure them from scalpers on eBay.

Official Apple stores and third-party retailers quickly sold out of their iPad 2 stock following last Friday's launch, and Apple estimates online orders will take 3-4 weeks to be fulfilled.

The lack of supply internationally is being blamed partly on scalpers, who are re-selling iPad 2s online at significant mark-ups.

In Britain there have been reports of fights breaking out outside Apple stores between Apple fans and scalpers.

Globally, Apple is battling to fill iPad 2 demand and reports this week suggest it is looking to Taiwanese manufacturers for parts following component shortages resulting from the natural disaster in Japan.

According to DigiTimes, Apple has agreed to pay more for components such as touch screens so it can secure any stock ahead of competitors.

The scarcity has created a strong secondary market for the iPad 2 and the high prices perhaps vindicate the decision by many to line up overnight to secure one.

eBay says it has completed over 12,000 iPad 2 transactions on the US site - eBay.com - since they first went on sale; 110 of those were sold to Australians.

On eBay Australia there have been almost 700 completed listings for the iPad 2, most of which have been sold successfully.

The latest figures available from eBay Australia show that 59 64GB WiFi iPad 2 models were sold between March 25, the launch day, and March 27, with the average selling price being AU$1141(NZ$1,548).

This represents over a 40 per cent mark-up.

During the same time period, 47 64GB WiFi + 3G models were sold for an average price of AU$1193(NZ$1,618), which is a 25 per cent mark-up on the AU$949 (NZ$1,287) retail price.

And it's not just the most expensive models that are seeing huge mark-ups - the average sale price for the 16GB WiFi + 3G model is AU$1020 (NZ$1,382), against a retail price of AU$729 (NZ$989).

eBay Australia said its research tool did not have more recent data beyond March 27, however, scanning through the completed listings search on ebay.com.au reveals sales prices are still just as high as they were in the days following the launch.

With such high demand for iPad 2, it remains to be seen whether competing models will make an impact.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v is due to go on sale this month, while earlier this week Acer launched four new competitor tablets in Australia.

Two of Acer's new tablets run Windows 7, but Microsoft does not appear to be convinced of the long-term prospects for the tablet category.

The company's chief strategy officer, Craig Mundie, at a Sydney lunch this week questioned whether tablets would "remain with us".

- Sydney Morning Herald

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iPad2 lights up eBay site

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iPad2 Hits Cathedral City Radio Shack

Reported by: KPSP Local 2 News
Email: news@kpsplocal2.com
Created: 3/28 2:37 pm
Last Update: 3/28 9:05 pm

Cathedral City's Radio Shack is just one of 500 stores across the country selected to sell the iPad2.

So far, the only types for sale will be the 16g and the 32g--not the 64gig nor 3g equipped. You better be up early, though. The store is only getting those?two iPads. Literally.?One 16g and one 32g.

Monique Lopez, Sales Associate at the lucky Radio Shack, says that people have been calling in all day since the news came out, and have even?expressed the desire to wait outside the store to be one of the the first two iPad customers.

The decision to sell iPads at the Cathedral City Radio Shack comes after the store's high volume of sales. In a time when Radio Shacks around the nation are closing because of low sales, this may be a good sign for the Valley economy.

Despite the usual daily shipments to El Paseo's Apple Store, Dillon Forst, a Specialist at the store, says that they can sell out as early as noon.

Forst said it's not uncommon to see lines forming at 5:30, 6:00 a.m. To get in the store an hour before the store opens (that's 10 a.m.) just to buy the iPad2.

The Cathedral City Radio Shack opens at 9 a.m. and is located on 32-280 Date Palm Drive.

Copyright 2011 Desert Television LLC All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Cramer: I Couldn't Buy An iPad2

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How Japan's disaster will impact your wallet

(CBS News)?

Will consumers feel the ripple effect from the disaster in Japan in their pocketbooks?

On "The Early Show," CBS News Business and Economics Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis said it's very likely that they will, in a number of areas, from cars to tech devices.

Complete coverage: Disaster in Japan

Jarvis started with the impact on automakers and car parts manufacturers.

She explained, "First of all, you have production that came to a halt at places like Toyota, places like Honda, Nissan, Subaru, at plants in Japan. Well, you also had production come to a halt at the manufacturers of supplies that go into cars. And those go into cars like Ford, for example, like General Motors, for example, like Chevrolet for example. So there is an impact, also, on the cars being manufactured here in the United States because, for some supplies, they source those supplies from Japan."

Will all that translate to higher prices for consumers?

"There may be an impact on prices," she said. "At this point, dealerships are the ones that hold the keys to whether or not prices go up. And I've been talking to dealerships throughout the country that say, for particular models of cars, you could see prices increase. For example, the Toyota Prius, which is running in relatively short supply in this country right now, prices could go up there, according to the dealerships. I've been talking to (dealerships that sell) the Subaru Forester, which is also only manufactured in Japan. The Nissan Rogue and the Honda Fit. These are all cars that are only manufactured in Japan, and as a result, the supplies are running tight here in the U.S. And you could see dealerships raise prices as a result."

Co-anchor Chris Wragge reported, "Toyota (is) opening two of their 18 plants. Honda is keeping their plants closed until April 3. They're holding off a little bit longer."

What can consumers who want to buy a car right now do to avoid potentially overpaying?

"Well, you have to do your homework, obviously," Jarvis said. "Just as you would do your homework at any normal time when you're buying a car, you have to do it in particular now. Edmunds.com is a wonderful resource. Also, there are a number of other websites, from Yahoo!, which has an auto website, TrueCar, Consumer Reports, all of these websites have resources for you right now."

Are you likely to get the color you want?

Jarvis said you may have to make some concessions.

She explained, "They've actually had to cancel orders on their tuxedo black cars because the pigment that goes into tuxedo black is coming from Japan, and has been in short supply. So they're saying no more orders on these cars."

Apple's iPad2, Jarvis said, may also be in short supply, because everything, from the touchscreen to the chips, comes from Japan.

Pictures: Steve Jobs unveils the iPad2

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Hundreds queue as iPad2 release nears

 ONG QUEUES: The iPad2 goes on sale at the Chermside Apple store. Pic: Glenn Barnes Source: The Courier-Mail

The new Apple iPad 2 will be in stores this Friday

HUNDREDS of iPad enthusiasts are lining up outside the Chermside Apple store to get their hands on the new iPad 2 which went on sale at 5pm.

The line of about 500 people snakes through the shopping centre and out into the car park.

At 3pm, the Apple store closed - and staff started handing out tickets with the exact model of iPad the customer was after - worried they would run out.

Those waiting since 5.30am at the front of the line have nothing to worry about, but some further down the line aren't so sure.

"I think there'll be a lot of people going home disappointed," said Daniel Gulotta, 25, who had been waiting since 10.30am.

Apple store staff announced the white 32GB 3G model, which retails for about $800, had sold out at 4.20pm, based on the allocation of tickets.

The Chermside store will reopen at 5pm and close at 9pm.

Mickey Pascoe, 22, felt safe towards the front of the line, where he'd been waiting since 6.45am, armed with a sleeping bag, laptop and plenty of food.

"I was surprised at how many people were there already," he said.

"I knew they were going to sell out and that if I didn't line up, I wouldn't get one for months."

Those who order their iPad online will have to wait at least four weeks for delivery according to the Apple website.

The new model costs around $50 to $100 less than the original version, ranging from $579 for the most basic to $949 for a 64GB, 3G model.

The queue at Westfield, Chermside for the iPad2. Pic: Glenn Barnes

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iPad2 Accessories: Toting Up the Tab

Apple has managed to keep the base price for the iPad 2 ($499) below most rival tablets, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be walking out of the Apple store with your shirt still on. That’s because Apple has created a line of “must-have” accessories for you to trick out your new iPad with. If you want to take advantage of the iPad’s more advanced touted features, you could easily spend more than $300 extra.

For starters, you might consider a cover for your new device, one which not only protects your investment from bumps and scratches, but also helps prop the tablet into positions for easier reading, viewing or typing. It also wakes the iPad when opened and puts it to sleep when closed. That runs $39 for the polyurethane version (available in five colors), but $69 if you want it in leather (also available five colors).

ReutersThe iPad 2 with a “smart cover,” which runs $39 for the polyurethane version and $69 for leather.

There is the new $29 iPad 2 Dock, which holds the device upright, and lets you sync and charge your tablet. It also can connect to speakers with an optional audio cable (see next paragraph), but it doesn’t have a built-in keyboard as the dock for the original iPad does.There is a wireless keyboard, which runs an extra $69.

You could also opt for the Apple Digital AV Adapter, which lets you connect your iPad to a high-definition television with an HDMI connection, for the tidy sum of $39. (HDMI cable not included. Apple sells a 6-foot one for $19.) Or, if you prefer keeping your audio-visual experience to yourself, in-ear headphones from Apple run either $29 or $79.

Since the iPad lacks many ports found on a typical laptop, anyone who wants to directly upload pictures from their digital camera will need to pick up the iPad Camera Connection Kit. It adds a USB port or SD card slot for $29.

AppleThe camera connection kit, which costs $29

And if you’re the type who goes for the extended warranty stuff, The AppleCare Protection Plan provides peace of mind for $79. That’s good for only two years, but by then, you’ll probably want the iPad 6. (The iPad 2 comes with a one-year warranty.)

And there are plenty more gizmos where those come from — but how much would you have already spent if you splurged on all of the above? If you splurged on the leather cover and more expensive headphones, these accessories alone will cost you $412. If you opted for the cheaper cover and headsets, it would still be $332.

Readers, which of these accessories are you tempted to buy? How much have you spent on accessories for other Apple products? Tell us in the comments.

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iPad2 debuted Friday

Published: March. 11, 2011 at 6:49 PM

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 11 (UPI) -- Long lines greeted the retail launch of Apple's iPad2, a good example of price inflation on hold, the president of the New York Federal Reserve said Friday.

New York Fed President William Dudley during a speaking engagement in Queens, N.Y., said, "Today, you can buy an iPad2 that costs the same as an iPad1, that's twice as powerful," The Wall Street Journal reported.

His remark did not go over so well, the Journal reported. Dudley was trying to explain that low inflation was a sign of a slow economy, the Journal said.

Lines were reported at Apple stores in San Francisco and New York, Apple Insider reported. Apple released its newest tablet computer at 5 p.m. EST, but was mum on why it chose that particular hour to release its newest gadget.

The successor to the iPad was available at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and Verizon and AT&T stores at 5 p.m. and at Apple's online store at 4 a.m., which allowed lines to remain smaller than for some of Apple's other blockbuster releases. At its San Francisco store, Apple staff members rolled carts of refreshments up and down the sidewalk to keep about 140 people in line in good cheer.

The device Apple calls "magical" is 33 percent thinner and 15 percent lighter than the previous iPad, which boasts sales of 15 million. It features an A5 dual core processor "for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics," the company said in a statement.

Apple suggested the device sell for the same price as the iPad. The 16GB tablet with WiFi sells for $499, the 32GB model has a suggested retail price of $599, and a 64GB model goes for $699.

A second version, with WiFi and 3G capability, would start at $629 and run up to $829 for the 64GB model.

The WiFi and 3G version, compatible with the Verizon network, would be available in the United States only, Apple said.

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IPad2 Teardown Shows Apple-Samsung Ties Remain

UBM TechInsightsThe A5 chip in the iPad 2

Apple has long relied on Samsung Electronics to supply chips for its products. An internal examination of the new iPad 2 suggests the relationship between the companies remains intact, despite some predictions to the contrary.

UBM TechInsights, one of the firms that specialize in taking apart new devices to analyze their components, says its study of the Apple-designed A5 processor in the iPad 2 show that the Korean giant manufactured the chip–just as it did the central electronic brain for prior iPads and iPhones. “We can say that the A5 in our possession is definitely manufactured by Samsung,” said Allan Yogasingam, a UBM technical marketing manager.

That conclusion counters recent speculation that Apple might turn for the A5 to another build-to-order manufacturer, most likely Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., or TSMC. Such predictions were based in part on fact that Samsung has emerged as one of Apple’s biggest competitors–first in smartphones and more recently with Samsung’s Galaxy tablet computer–and might have become reluctant to share details about the inner workings of its latest processor.

And the A5 is not Samsung’s only involvement in the iPad. The company has long been the world’s biggest maker of data-storage chips, providing flash-memory chips for many Apple devices. Apple previously decided to balance out its purchases by turning to the No. 2 flash-memory maker, Toshiba, as a second source for those chips.

The iPad 2 shows Samsung continues to share in this dual-source arrangement. Of the three iPad 2′s taken apart by UBM TechInsights, two used Samsung flash memory and one used Toshiba chips, Yogasingam said.

Other data-storage components called DRAM, for dynamic random access memory, come stacked inside the plastic package that contains the A5 processor. Two of the packages opened by UBM TechInsights contained Samsung DRAM and one contained DRAM from Elpida, Yogasingam said.

There were few other surprises in the iPad 2 analyses from UBM TechInsights and others, such as iFixit and ChipWorks. Broadcom and Qualcomm, as expected, each supplied communication chips for the new tablet.

UBM TechInsights is sticking with a $270 cost estimate it put on the components in a 32-gigabyte iPad 2 last week before getting its hands on one. That’s substantially more than the firm’s estimate for the first iPad but lower than Motorola’s rival Xoom.

The research firm now believes the dual-processor A5 chip cost Apple about $25, up from a range of $15 to $20 in its original estimate and about $10 more than comparable chips on the market, Yogasingam said. But that increase was countered by use of the same components for some functions as the Verizon iPhone 4 and the original iPad, which likely allows Apple to get lower prices because of its purchasing volume, he said.

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KaiserQuotes.com Contest Offers iPad2 as Grand Prize

Apple iPad2 Contest, Another Reason to Become a Facebook Fan of KaiserQuotes.com.

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) March 9, 2011

KaiserQuotes.com, one of Kaiser Permanente’s top brokers is at it again! Their recent Verizon iPhone contest was so successful in increasing product interest, that KaiserQuotes.com is having another contest. This time, the prize is grander, and there are three prizes instead of one. To qualify to win, Facebook guests simply become a fan of KaiserQuotes.com:

1. Go to the KaiserQuotes.com Facebook Page.
2. Click "Like" at the top of the page.

Existing fans are automatically enrolled in the contest; no additional action is needed.

“Having a contest for the much sought-after iPad2 is just another venue to bring attention to what we have to offer in Kaiser Permanente health insurance.”, said CEO, John Hansen. According to Social Media Specialist, Thomas Cazneau, the previous Verizon iPhone contest was such a big hit, this next contest called for three opportunities to win. The top prize will be the Apple iPad2. The second-place prize will be a $50 gift certificate for dinner at Applebee’s Restaurant, and third prize will be a $25 Visa gift card.

The new Apple iPad2 has been sparking a lot of interest for some time. The iPad2 features high tech power that enables you to have front and rear-facing high resolution cameras for video recording, video calling, and a basic photo and video editing feature. With iPad 2, you can buy the new iMovie and Garage Band apps and be able to record, edit and share videos, and create new sounds with virtual instruments for your audio recording. Also, there’s an expanded selection of games.

The iPad2 gives new meaning to “lean and mean". It weighs a mere 1.3 pounds and sports a slimmer design which makes it about 33 percent lighter than the previous model. It is said to be nine times faster than the iPad1. Also, you’ll have about 10 hours of battery power before needing to recharge.

The Apple iPad retails with a base price of $499 and starts shipping on March 11. The contest drawings will be held on July 1, 2011.

KaiserQuotes.com is hopeful that having great contest prizes will continue to open opportunities to assist the general public in their search for health insurance plans.

###

Thomas Cazneau
KaiserQuotes.com
877-752-4737 ext. 444
Email Information

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iPad2 may have a supply problem

Published: March. 18, 2011 at 1:03 PM

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 18 (UPI) -- Electronic parts monitor iSuppli said production of Apple's recently launched iPad2 could be curtailed due to the earthquake in Japan.

The firm said at least five critical parts of the tablet computer were made in Japan, including a NAND flash made by Toshiba Corp, the touch screen overlay glass, produced by Asahi Glass Co., and the battery, produced by Apple Japan Inc., The Apple Blog reported Friday.

A 9-magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami March 11 left thousands of people dead and shut down many of Japan's industrial businesses.

The company iSuppli breaks down products to their component parts and says identifying where the parts originate is not always possible.

The Apple Blog said there are alternative suppliers for some of the iPad2's components.

The NAND flash can be produced by Samsung in South Korea and by Micron Technology, a U.S. company.

Industry analyst Wayne Lam at IHS, however, said it was unlikely the battery for the iPad2 could be made anywhere but Japan.

"The iPad2's lithium-ion polymer battery is unusually thin," he said. "It likely requires advanced battery cell manufacturing technologies that reside in Japan," he said.

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Fla. iPad2 Buyers: Tablet's Speed Great, Camera a Mixed Bag

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The iPad 2 went on sale on March 11, bringing Christmas early to Apple fans in Sarasota. The iPad 2 replaced the original iPad version, which sold 15 million since its April 2010 release. The iPad2 has an enhanced processor, is thinner and lighter and includes cameras on both sides for video chat.

Here is what some of the Sarasota area residents said about their purchase the day after their purchase.

* “Unlike most, I didn't purchase the first. I can't compare it. I bought it so I can talk to my husband while he is on the road. So far, so good. The only thing I don't like is that it freezes up. However, that may be because of the area I live in. I love the video camera on both the rear and the front; makes it easier for video chat." -- Nicole Stolzer, homemaker, Osprey

* “I am liking the iPad 2. It seems to be faster than the original iPad. This is an upgrade for me. My kid who is in college at Florida State will be getting the original iPad. It seems to be a lot faster than the first one, and the double-sided camera is great. Now if I want to annoy my daughter, I can see the goofy faces I make." -- David Mitchell, mason, Sarasota

* “I bought because my grandkids recommended it. We bought the first one for them, and they seemed to like it. My husband like that he can watch movies on it. This will make it easier when we travel up north. As it stands, I have yet to find anything that we don't like, but then I have to use it. My husband has used it the whole time." -- Mary Johan, retired, Sarasota

* “I don't like that they didn't upgrade the camera feature, as far as pixilation. I could use a point and shoot film camera and get better quality. But everything else is wicked fast compared to the original iPad. I guess I will have to get over the camera aspect because the high-speed features out-weigh the low mega-pixel photos." -- Rick Brybiman, musician, Bradenton

* “I was set out to get an iPad2. If this location didn't have it when I got here, I was going to go to the other locations. I love my original iPad touch, but this one is far beyond the original. The graphics are clearer. Everything moves quicker. The camera on both-sides works awesome. It doesn't freeze up for me, unlike the original. I am stoked I got one at the first store." -- Jack Lewis, student, Sarasota

* “I am glad they have a 30-day return policy. I am not happy at all. It is too difficult to use for my non-computer brain. The guy in the store told me that even I could use it. However, I have no clue how to turn on the camera, record things, watch a movie, or anything else that the store rep told me I could do. Not happy at all. To difficult for someone my age (58) to use." -- Elgin Willis, retired, Bird Key

* “It's a tech device, so I realize there is going to be issue. However, for what I paid for it, Steve Jobs should be ashamed of himself. I love taking photos of my kids, and the camera has [bad resolution]. My Android phone has a better camera. The video chat app has shut down three times in the midst of conversation. Not happy at all, but willing to bite the bullet unless tech support can offer me a solution." -- Jymie de Lauga, teacher, Siesta Key

* “Oh, the iPad 2 totally rocks. I can totally watch movie and play video games anytime I want and it is not hard to do. Just push a little icon on the screen, and bam, there you go. The only thing I don't like is that [Apple] didn't [include a good] camera. I mean, where I live there is always cool things going on, and without a good camera, I don't want to post them on Facebook." -- Jessie Bryman, student, Sarasota

* “For the price, you would expect top notch quality. The speed and dependability is there in my new iPad2, but some of the apps don't work very well. The camera is terrible. I think I had a better film camera back in the early 1990s. I teach art, so how would I tell a student to buy this machine when it has crappy quality? Oh well, I do get to watch movies and play chess anytime with no worries. I didn't have the original iPad, so this is a treat for me." -- Dallas Montgomery, teacher, Bradenton

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iPad2: worth the wait

Customers and store employees talk about covers for the new iPad2 at the AT&T store at 14th Street and Lewis Avenue on Friday. The store had only five of the new iPad2s in stock when they went on sale at 5 p.m. MICHAEL WYKE/Tulsa World

By far, the retailer garnering the most interest in the device was the Apple Store at Woodland Hills mall – more than 200 people formed a line all the way to the mall's front entrance in hopes of purchasing the product.

The new version of Apple's tablet, which boasts faster speeds, a trimmer body and cameras on the front and back, officially went on sale at retail stores at 5 p.m. Friday.

Kent Tillery arrived before 5 o'clock. He and two other people were the first to set up camp in front of the Apple Store at 6 a.m.

"We've taken turns to go on bathroom breaks and get food," Tillery said.

Although he and his friends were interested in iPads, they were being paid to wait in line by Mark and Cindy Neely, proprietors of the Invisible Shield by Zagg kiosk adjacent the Apple Store. Cindy said the Neelys couldn't keep their screen protector sales site open and stand in line themselves to buy an iPad2.

"We'll have one on display here, and the rest are personal," she said.

The tablet, unveiled by Apple during a media event March 2, is the follow-up to the first iPad, which sold briskly after its release a year ago and inspired a flurry of competing tablet computers.

Several people in the Apple Store line passed the time Friday poking away at their first-generation iPads, including Eric Weber.

He

said he waited in line for all three of the first iPhones and pre-ordered the iPhone 4 and the original iPad. The iPad2 wasn't available for pre-order, but Weber, who said he arrived at 1 p.m., didn't mind.

"I'm an Apple fan, and coming out here is part of the experience," he said.

Weber said he was purchasing an iPad2 partially so he could write programs for it via his business, SmartMax Software Inc., and partially for his own enjoyment.

"I like that it's faster, thinner and lighter," he said. "It's supposed to be a better tablet experience."

Paula Quillin, who arrived in line at 4:30 p.m., was approximately 170 people from the front.

"I wasn't expecting the line to get this long," she said.

She was hopeful she could get an iPad2, but was nervous about supplies being exhausted by the strong turnout.

Other retailers offering the iPad2 had smaller crowds, although people still arrived early.

Rebecca Waldo showed up before 4 p.m. at the AT&T Wireless store near 14th Street and Lewis Avenue.

"I'm getting it for my husband, Colby," she said. "He told me to just order it online, but I told him I wanted it today."

D.J. Meeker, manager of the AT&T store, said he received only six iPad2s, but he expects to get more soon.

"Our employees have done a lot of training and learning what the new iPad can do," he said.

Terry Rackley, district retail manager for Verizon Wireless, didn't disclose how many units his stores received. But he said he expects the iPad2 will be even a better seller than the original iPad.

"We're definitely excited to have it, since it really boosts our portfolio," he said.
Robert Evatt 918-581-8447
robert.evatt@tulsaworld.com

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iPad2 Receives Great Response

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Apple Inc.’s (NasdaqGS: AAPL - News) much-hyped tablet computer iPad2 received a blockbuster response in its debut weekend. Analysts believe that Apple may have sold more than 500,000 iPad2s after retail outlets ran out of the tablet-style device since its arrival on March 11.

iPad2 is available at more than 236 retail stores in the U.S. and also at thousands of AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T - News), Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ - News), Best Buy (NYSE: BBY - News), Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT - News) and Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT - News) stores.

iPad2 was also available online at Apple’s website, expected to be delivered to customers in less than a weeks’ time. However, due to the exceptionally strong demand, Apple has extended the delivery time to up to a month for online orders.

According to Piper Jaffray, iPad2 sales are expected to surpass the previous estimate of 5.5 million units for the current quarter, which ends on March 31, 2011. The analyst also noted that 70.0% of the iPad2 customers were first-time buyers, which suggests increased product adoption for Apple.

From March 25, 2011, Apple will begin shipping iPad 2 overseas to 26 countries including the U.K., Germany, Belgium and Japan. We believe that the international roll out will be equally successful.

According to research firm IDC, Apple’s share of the tablet market slipped to 73% in the December quarter, from 93% in the September quarter. Samsung, with its Galaxy Tab tablet, which uses Google Inc’s (GOOG) Android, was the only competitor of note, coming a distant second with 17% of market share.

However, IDC expects Apple to maintain 70%–80% market share through 2011, primarily due to the launch of iPad2. Based on IDC estimates, Apple will ship a minimum of 35 million tablets in 2011.

Apple sold more than 300,000 iPads on the very first day of its launch in April, 2010. The company sold more than 15 million in the first nine months of its launch, which included 7.3 million to holiday shoppers during the December quarter.

We believe that strong demand for iPad2 will provide Apple a competitive edge, as competitors, including Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (NYSE: MMI - News), Samsung Electronics Co., Research In Motion Ltd. (NasdaqGS: RIMM - News) and Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ - News) continue to introduce tablet computers to compete with iPad2. According to consultancy firm PRTM, there are 102 tablets from 64 makers either on sale or in the development stage.

iPad2 Features

The new iPad2 comes with essentially the same appearance but with some functional improvements from its original version. The most significant of these is the two-way camera system, including the front facing VGA camera and the rear-facing camera that captures 720 pixel (0.7 mega pixels) HD video facilitating video conferencing. It also has the Photo Booth software for capturing video and still images.

The speed enhancement is also significant, with the new A5 processor chip expected to be nine times faster and deliver superior graphics performance.

The previous version lacked the second camera and given its speed limit, more than one application could not run on the iPad at the same time.

The iPad2 comes with a LED-backlit LCD touch screen that measures 9.7 inches (25 cm) and weighs a mere 1.3 pounds, which is at least 15.0% lighter than the previous version. The iPad 2 is only 8.8 millimeters thick making it 33.0% thinner than the original version.

iPad 2 is available in two colors, black and white and comes with iOS 4.3, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, with new features including Safari mobile browsing performance, iTunes Home Sharing and AirPlay. There are 65,000 apps specifically made for the iPad available at the Apple app store.

However, iPad2 does not have a USB or SD port and does not support 4G wireless. Apple’s reluctance in using Flash is a defect in our view, as it still makes up a large portion of interactive and animated Web content compared to HTML5, which will take some time to ramp (not before 2014).

iPad2 is priced in the range of $499 to $829, depending on storage space and cellular connectivity. The 16GB model is priced at $499, the 32GB model will cost $599 and the 64GB model (Wi-Fi only model) costs around $699.

The other model with both Wi-Fi and 3G will be available at $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB. The fact that there is no contractual commitment for 3G models hugely differentiates iPad2 from other Android tablets, many of which require multi-year data contracts.

According to a survey conducted by Piper Jaffray, 47% of customers paid an extra $130 for a 3G model, while 41.0% bought the 32GB model, rather than the entry-level 16GB model.

According to the research firm IHS ISuppli, materials used in the iPad2 cost about $326.60, up from $320.0 for the earlier version. However, we believe this increase in material cost will not have any significant effect on iPad2 pricing.

Recommendation

Despite some minor glitches, iPad2 will be a major revenue contributor for Apple, in our view. Apple is bent on protecting its share in the tablet market through the launch of iPad 2. The aggressive pricing, with the start-up model at $499 appears much better than Motorola’s Xoom, which is priced at $800.

We continue to believe that Apple will outperform its peers given its strong iPad and iPhone sales and new product launches.

We have an Outperform rating on Apple over the long term (6-12 months). Currently, Apple has a Zacks #2 Rank, implying a short-term Buy rating.

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