Apple's iPad has been a huge
success for the company. The 9.7" device -- which is
available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities in both Wi-Fi-only and
3G versions -- has reinvigorated consumers' interest in tablet
devices and competitors are readying their entries into the field.
IPads have been selling at a furious
pace, and after only initially being available in Apple Retail
Stores, Apple's online store, and Best Buy, Apple is now spreading
the wealth to Amazon.com
and Target.
Target will also start a new promotion
on October 17 which will give Target credit card holder a 5 percent
discount on the purchase of any iPad. For those that purchase a 64GB
iPad Wi-Fi, that would amount to a discount of $35.
Those who purchase from Amazon.com can
get a "discount" of their own -- that is if they live in a
state where Amazon doesn't have a business presence -- thanks to
there being no sales tax on the purchase price of an iPad. However,
if some states have their way, this is a loophole that
will be soon closed.
Apple's iPad will be receiving an
update this November which will bring it in line with its iPhone and
iPod touch siblings. IOS 4.2 will bring third-party multitasking,
folder support, and wireless printing to the iPad.
RIM has announced its oddly named
"PlayBook" which is being
marketed as a business tablet. The device features a 7"
display, dual-core Cortex A9 processor, 1GB of RAM and runs the
BlackBerry Tablet OS. Likewise, Samsung is close to releasing its 7"
Galaxy Tablet which runs Google's Android 2.2 operating system.
