Apple confirms iPad2 in the Philippines on April 29

So it seems Apple really wanted to make the announcement themselves. The official press release of the launch of the iPad 2 in the Philippines after the jump.

 

CUPERTINO, California—April 27, 2011—AppleR today announced that iPadR 2, the second-generation of its breakthrough post-PC device, will arrive in Japan on Thursday, April 28 and Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and eight additional countries on Friday, April 29. iPad 2 will be available at Apple retail stores at 9 a.m. local time, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and online through the Apple StoreR (www.apple.com) beginning at 1 a.m. Additionally, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China beginning Friday, May 6.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 percent thinner and up to 15 percent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same stunning 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen. iPad 2 features Apple’s new dual-core A5 processor for blazing fast performance and stunning graphics and now includes two cameras, a front-facing VGA camera for FaceTimeR and Photo BoothR, and a rear-facing camera that captures 720p HD video, bringing the innovative FaceTime feature to iPad users for the first time. Though it is thinner, lighter, faster and packed with new features, iPad 2 still delivers up to 10 hours of battery life* that users have come to expect.

Pricing & Availability
iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in Japan on April 28 and Hong Kong, India, Israel, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and UAE on April 29 for a suggested retail price of $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model and $699 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model. iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China on May 6, and further international availability will be announced at a later date.

iMovieR and GarageBandR for iPad apps are available for $4.99 (US) each from the App Store? on iPad or www.itunes.com/appstore. The Smart Cover is available in a range of colors in vibrant polyurethane for $39 (US) or rich leather for $69 (US).

/ end

We have yet to see how much the prices will be on Friday but my estimates will be close to this one:

iPad 2 Prices (estimated)
16GB WiFi – Php23,990
32GB WiFi – Php28,990
64GB WiFi – Php33,990

16GB 3G+WiFi – Php30,990
32GB 3G+WiFi – Php35,990
64GB 3G+WiFi – Php40,990

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Apple launches iPad2 in India

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Apple's iPad 2 hit Indian stores on Friday, just over a month after the company started selling the updated version of its popular tablet device in the United States.

The iPad 2, a thinner and faster version that features two cameras for video chat, is priced between 29,500 rupees and 46,900 rupees, depending on the model.

"We are completely sold out. We've got advance bookings now," said Rahul Sharma, a sales assistant at iWorld, one of Apple's premium resellers, in New Delhi.

Some people were disappointed as they missed out on the new tablet on the first day, Sharma added.

The model with 16 GB of memory that works only on Wi-Fi is priced at 29,500 rupees, while the one that can operate on both Wi-Fi as well as third-generation (3G) mobile networks costs 36,900 rupees.

Customers have the option to buy an iPad 2 with 16, 32 or 64 GB of memory and can choose a model that works only on Wi-Fi or on both Wi-Fi and 3G.

Research firm IHS iSuppli estimates Apple will ship 39.7 million units for all models of the iPad this year.

The first iPad - which went on sale a year ago - sold 300,000 units on the first day, 500,000 in the first week, and crossed the 1 million unit mark in 28 days.

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Thousands queue for iPad 2 across Asia

 ipad2HONG KONG: The iPad 2 went on sale in many countries across Asia and beyond on Friday as Apple's updated gadget enters a market that is becoming ever more crowded with tablet computers.

Apple's original iPad defined the tablet computer market and was swiftly followed by offerings from the tech industry's main players, from Samsung and Dell to BlackBerry maker RIM and Toshiba.

A late arrival to the tablet party was Sony, who only this week announced its own tablets a full year after the original iPad went on sale.

Now Apple is already fighting round two with a lighter, thinner version of their original gadget.

First in line in a queue of around 400 rain-soaked people outside an Apple store in Hong Kong was 16-year-old mainland Chinese student Dandy Weng, who travelled to the city from neighbouring Guangdong province for a device.

"I have waited for over 12 hours and haven't slept in 48 hours -- I'm very tired but excited," he told AFP.

"I will be the first in China to have the iPad 2", he said, waving a ticket to back up his claim of being first in line.

"I'm speechless, it's so exciting," he said after purchasing two tablets. "I can't say how happy I am right now."

A long queue snaked around the Apple shop in a major downtown shopping centre with several groups of shoppers loading as many as a dozen iPads onto trolleys.

Shopping mall staff handed out raincoats to soaked Apple fans who had forgotten to bring an umbrella.

"The weather is really terrible, but it's well worth it," Nigel Law, a 19-year-old student, told AFP. "It has been a long time coming -- a little rain is nothing."

Those trying to buy an iPad 2 online via Apple's Hong Kong site will have to wait a little longer -- all versions of the gadget were already out of stock before midday.

And at an Apple authorised retail shop in Singapore, only 100 devices were available for sale.

"I like the iPad 2 because it is slimmer and nicer," Dennis Seow, told AFP.

The new iPad also hit stores Friday in India, Israel, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

In South Korea, 100 invited customers lined up from midnight at the central Seoul branch of KT, a local partner for iPhones and iPads.

First in line was student Kim Jung-Yun, 22, who waited more than nine hours to get his hands on one.

Kim slowly unwrapped the box then held his white device at arm's length to take a careful and admiring look.

"I didn't know I would be the first one but it's marvellous and I would like to keep it as a valuable memory," Kim told AFP.

The iPad 2 was launched in Japan on Thursday after a month's delay caused by the devastating quake and tsunami. A Wi-Fi only version of the iPad 2 will be available in China on May 6. It was first released in the United States on March 11.

The California gadget-maker sold 15 million iPads last year following the original device's launch in April, generating $10 billion in revenue.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011

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Enki Genius Case for iPad2 Pre-Order Launches With Bonus Pack Including Free Neoprene Sleeve

Enki, a Rochester Hills, Michigan based manufacturer of accessories for iPad, iPhone, iPod, smartphones and tablets launches pre-order of their American made Genius Case for iPad2 with a bonus pack including a surface protector for iPad2 and neoprene sleeve for iPad2 priced at $29.99 through May 1, 2011.

Rochester Hills, MI (PRWEB) April 18, 2011

Enki Holdings International (Enki), based in Rochester Hills, MI announced the launch of online pre-order sales of their innovative Genius Case for iPad2. Enki’s website http://www.enkigear.com is now accepting pre-orders for the Genius Case and features a promotional bonus pack priced at $29.99 including the Genius Case for iPad2, a screen protector for iPad2 and a bonus Enki Neoprene Sleeve for iPad2 (while supplies last). The Pre-order bonus pack including the Enki Neoprene Sleeve for iPad2 is valid on orders placed through May 1, 2011. The Genius Case is available in clear, smoke, pink and blue with domestic and international shipping beginning May 2, 2011.

“Our goal for the Genius Case pre-order bonus pack including the screen protector and neoprene sleeve for iPad2 is to overload Enki customers with value as a thank you for their support,” said Edward Cates, spokesperson for Enki. “We’re proud to have the first and only case for iPad2 that's designed, tooled and manufactured right outside Detroit in Rochester Hills, Michigan. We’ve got you covered is more than our tag line; it’s our brand promise.”

Enki announced the Genius Case last month at the 2011 CTIA Wireless Convention in Orlando as the first iPad2 case designed to work with the Apple Smart Cover manufactured in America. The Genius Case was designed by Enki the evening of the iPad2’s national launch in Rochester, Michigan in March. The Genius Case has created international buzz and received coverage on hundred of tech blogs and Apple enthusiast forums and sites being named as one of the top cases designed for iPad2.

“Our customers love their iPad2 and their Smart Cover but also want protection for the back of their device. The Genius Case provides polycarbonate hard case protection to the back of the iPad2 enabling full use of the Smart Cover in all positions. It’s truly genius,” said Richard Jones, VP of Business and Product Development. “The Enki Genius Case is about designing a product that customers want for the iPad2 and Smart Cover combination.”

The Enki Genius Case Pre-Order Bonus Pack is available with all Genius Case orders for $29.99 through May 1 and is backed by a 30-day money back guarantee and a lifetime replacement warranty that Enki calls a “Forever Guarantee”.

Enki Holdings International is based in Rochester Hills, Michigan and produces innovative accessories for iPhone, iPad, iPod, smartphones and tablets. With Australian origins, Enki Holdings International is a privately held US based company founded in Michigan in 2009. Enki specializes in American based manufacturing and engineering of quality products for electronic enthusiasts. For additional information regarding Enki visit http://www.enkigear.com.

###

EDWARD CATES
Enki
770.865.8170
Email Information

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iPad2 goes on sale at Apple Online Store

The Philippine Apple Online Store went live earlier today with availability of the iPad 2 with shipments ranging from 1 to 2 weeks of order. Apple Premium Resellers will also be open to sell limited units starting today.

 

And we predicted the suggested retail price right down to the last peso:

16GB WiFi – Php23,990
32GB WiFi – Php28,990
64GB WiFi – Php33,990

16GB 3G+WiFi – Php30,990
32GB 3G+WiFi – Php35,990
64GB 3G+WiFi – Php40,990

If you’re looking for discounts, the iCampus Stores in Ateneo de Manila University and the La Salle University are selling them with academic discounts.

Here’s the discounted prices:

iPad WiFi 16GB – Php23,000
iPad WiFi 32GB – Php27,500
iPad WiFi 64GB – Php32,000

iPad WiFi+3G 16GB – Php29,800
iPad WiFi+3G 32GB – Php33,800
iPad WiFi+3G 64GB – Php38,500

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iPhone, iPad2 likely to carry Apple quarterly report

 

Apple ( AAPL ), driven by strong performances of the iPhone and the iPad, is projected to report a strong second fiscal quarter Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reports .

INvestors have worried about the tech giant's supply chain after Japan's March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami pushed down shares of the Cupertino, California-based company. Other worries were caused by speculation that the iPhone would not be updated in the summer, as Apple typically does. And further concerns circled around speculation about shortages in production for the iPad2, which recently was released.

"While guidance (including gross margin) could negatively affect the stock, given current valuation we think the stock is attractively valued and would recover quickly," according to a client note by Keith Bachman of BMO Capital.

At 2:03 p.m. on Wednesday, Apple shares were up 2.05 percent to $344.78.

The iPhone and the iPad have been wildly popular devices, both serving as drivers of growth.

"We expect [June quarter] guidance below consensus and gross margin pressure due to Japan, but we believe this is priced into the stock," according to a note from Peter Misek of Jeffries.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

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Apple's iPad2 flies off shelves everywhere

Apple's iPad2 flies off shelves everywhereBS Reporters / New Delhi/ Bangalore?April 30, 2011, 0:10 IST

Consumers across the country lapped up Apple’s new tablet offering, the iPad2, available in stores across the country on Friday, just 50 days after its global launch in the US.

Most Apple stores reported sales much higher than what they had expected. Sources close to the company say the first-day sales exceeded their expectations.

Imagine Stores, a premium reseller of Apple products in posh south Delhi, says it has orders from consumers and corporate bookings to buy over 550 iPads. “Around 400 units have been pre-booked by three to four corporates. The kind of queries we are getting, we can sell at least another 500 units in the next two days, apart from what is pre-booked. As a result, we have already doubled our orders to the company for next week from 150 a day to 300 a day,” says Abhinav Bhalla, owner of the store.

In the geek city of Bangalore, there was a huge demand. “We offered a pre-booking facility yesterday. We opened our showroom on Friday and by 11 am, the entire product was sold out. We are getting more calls now from users; we are taking orders now and hope to deliver these next week,” said Thomas Paul, store manager at Imagine in the Forum Mall. “We have orders for 70 (more) units.”

In Chennai, retailers complained they did not have enough iPads to meet the high demand. One of the main distributors said whatever stocks had come to them were sold and there was a demand supply mismatch. “Supply has been restricted, stocks are sold in no time,” said the distributor, who did not want to be named.

Hyderabad, the other IT centre, saw a similar trend. “We have been getting inquiries from prospective buyers since a week. We received 20 units of the iPad2 Wi-Fi version (16GB, 32 GB and 64 GB) at 8.30 am on Friday. And, we were out of stock before noon,” says the iStore manager, who didn’t want to be named.

3G MODEL SELLS MORE
The iPad2 was introduced in two versions, one with only Wi-Fi, which is cheaper, and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G, in which you have a slot to put in a SIM card, not there in the earlier version. However, store managers say it was the more expensive 3G-cum-WiFi model which was selling the most. “The majority of the pre-bookings were for the 3G-cum-WiFi model,” said Bhalla in Delhi.

In Kolkata, on an average, stores had advanced bookings of 250-300 sets, making the iPad2 officially 50 per cent more popular than iPad, which had a comparatively muted response. “The timing of the launch is just right, given the fact that it was launched in the US just a month back. This has meant the interest from patrons and potential consumers has stayed,” said the manager of an Apple outlet. Most stores are stocked for the weekend, over which they expect sales to cross the 1,500-mark.

Also enhancing the interest is the fact that, priced between Rs 29,000 and Rs 33,000, the iPad2 is an affordable gadget for businessmen and techies alike, many of whom will buy the product over the next few days.

“I am really looking forward to it. I would love to own a piece,” said Sanjiv Goenka, vice-chairman, CESC. Even in Ahmedabad, it was the 3G version which picked up faster.Says Sanjeev Ghalpade of Unicorn Infosolutions Pvt, the franchise for Apple: “By noon, around 15 iPad2 were sold. With 3G services being launched in the city, it is the WiFi-enabled 3G versions of iPad that are selling like hot cakes. People are also preferring models with higher data storage capacities to get the most out of the gadget,” he said.

The new iPad is also 33 per cent thinner than the older version, has a dual core processor and works much faster than the earlier model. That apart, it has two cameras to make video calls a reality. The quick launch of Apple in India for the iPad2 even before that of China is a clear reflection of the growing importance of the country in Apple’s sales graph.

?Discussion Board / User Comments ?

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