iPad

Albert Lemnaru | Class 313

December 8th, 2010

ROMANIAN-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT & MARKETING

English for Management I

iPad
The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple. It is particularly marketed as a platform for audio and visual media such as books, periodicals, movies, music, and games, as well as web content. At about 1.5 pounds (680 grams), its size and weight are between those of most contemporary smartphones and laptop computers. Apple released the iPad in April 2010, and sold 3 million of the devices in 80 days. According to a report released by Strategy Analytics, the Apple iPad has gained a 95 percent share sales of Tablet PC at the end of second quarter 2010. And during the second quarter 2010, Apple had sold 4.19 million iPads around the world. The iPad runs the same operating system as the iPod Touch and iPhone. It can run its own applications as well as ones developed for the iPhone. Without modification, it will only run programs approved by Apple and distributed via its online store. Like iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is controlled by a multitouch display a break from most previous tablet computers, which used a pressure-triggered stylus. The iPad uses a Wi-Fi data connection to browse the Internet, load and stream media, and install software. Some models also have a 3G wireless data connection which can connect to GSM 3G data networks. The device is managed and synced by iTunes on a personal computer via USB cable. Media reaction to the device has generally been neutral or positive, with more positive reaction after the device was launched. Apple began taking pre-orders for the iPad from U.S. customers on March 12, 2010. The only major change to the device between its announcement and being available to preorder was the change of the behavior of the side switch from sound muting to that of a screen rotation lock. The Wi-Fi version of the iPad went on sale in the United States on April 3, 2010. The Wi-Fi + 3G version was released on April 30. 3G service in the United States is provided by AT&T and was initially sold with two prepaid contract-free data plan options: one for unlimited data and the other for 250 MB per month at half the price. On June 2, 2010, AT&T announced that effective June 7 the unlimited plan would be replaced for new customers with a 2 GB plan at slightly lower cost; existing customers would have the option to keep the unlimited plan. The plans are activated on the iPad itself and can be canceled at any time. The iPad was launched in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan,Spain,Switzerland and the United Kingdom on May 28. Online pre-orders in those countries began on May 10. Apple released the iPad in Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore on 23 July 2010. Israel briefly prohibited importation of the iPad because of concerns that its Wi-Fi might interfere with other devices. On September 17, 2010 the iPad officially launched in China. The device was initially popular with 300,000 iPads being sold on their first day of availability. By May 3, 2010 Apple had sold a million iPads, this was in half the time it took
Albert Lemnaru | Class 313 2

ROMANIAN-AMERICAN UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT & MARKETING

English for Management I

Apple to sell the same number of original iPhones. By May 31, 2010 Apple had sold two million iPads and by June 22, 2010 they had sold 3 million. Between July 1 and September 30, 2010 Apple sold a further 4.2 million iPads. During the October 18, 2010 Financial Conference Call, Steve Jobs announced that Apple had sold more iPads than Macs for the Fiscal Quarter. The South Korean Minister of Culture and Tourism, Yu In-chon was criticized for using an "unapproved" iPad on a public occasion; it is illegal to use an unapproved electronic device in South Korea. However, iPad was released in Korea in November 30, through KT which also carries iPhone. The iPad was initially only available online at The Apple Store as well as the company's retail locations. The iPad has since been available for purchase through many retailers including Amazon, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Verizon, and AT&T.

Albert Lemnaru | Class 313