Techies in ‘iWait’ mode

Retailers in the UAE are giving a wait-and-watch status on the new iPad ahead of its likely launch in the country in the last week of March

DUBAI - Retailers in the UAE are giving a wait-and-watch status on the new iPad ahead of its likely launch in the country in the last week of March. Apple’s latest de-vice will go on sale in the US on March 16.

Jacky’s Electronics is advising people to hold on to their wallets before making a purchase. “We expect there to be a big shortage immediately after launch. Pricing will be volatile initially which is why we advise to wait at least a month before buying an iPad, as prices will stabilise by then,” said Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Electronics.

Nelly Webster, software engineer, said: “I own a first generation iPad, and no, I wouldn’t buy myself the new iPad as of yet. I would wait for at least three months before I make up my mind.”

But Bushra Fahidi, a grad student said: “I like to keep myself updated with new technology and I cannot wait to buy the new iPad 3.” According to tech experts, the iPad 3 may be initially priced at Dh8,000 to Dh9,000.

“The biggest feature on the iPad3 is the retina display and the 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution). The display promises crisp clarity and the 4G LTE provides high-speed Internet connectivity, but the new product has no change on its physical appearance. “It’s slightly thicker than the iPad 2,” said Hadi Kobeishi, partner of Gadgitech ME, a firm that specialises in creating accessories for Apple products.

“The new product has a few changes in functiownality, but nothing new in terms of appearance. It’s slightly thicker, the retina display promises better clarity and with higher processor speed, more and more applications can be used at the same time. Also, the 4G LTE does promise a faster network on the Internet bandwidth,” he said. Kobeishi added that people here in the UAE like to stay updated on technology and change their gadgets at least once in a year.

Need for an iStore raised

Managing Editor of PC Magazine, Mena, Chris Fernando said that the biggest flaw in Apple Inc. was its marketing strategy. The company’s preferred markets are in the US, Europe, China and Japan. The Middle East comes in much later. “Considering the demand for Apple products in the region, it’s high time Apple opens its official iStore in UAE,” added Fernando.

Android over iPad

Fernando said that the biggest advantage of an Android platform over the iPad would be the cost factor. “I personally own an Android phone and I download my applications for free, while I would have to pay for it on an iPad or iPhone. But here, as far as the ‘flaunt factor’ is concerned, people prefer to walk around with an iPad rather than an Android tablet,” he added. Considering very little change in functionality, Kobeishi said that the new iPad would be an unwise investment.

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• UAE