Concerns Over Pricing, Windows 8
Email
Print
5. Prices are a major concern
Apple
sells its iPad for between $499 and $829, depending on the version. But with
tablet prices falling and consumers responding to discounted options, Apple is
in desperate need of a cheaper iPad. The company can provide that by launching
the iPad 3 with current prices while selling the iPad 2 at a discounted rate.
It works in the iPhone ecosystem; why wouldn't it work with iPads?
6. Windows 8 is coming
Windows
8 is expected to launch late next year. And when it does, several tablets
running the operating system will be available. Rather than get caught up in
that wave of new tablets, Apple should launch the iPad 3 in the first
quarter to avoid sharing the spotlight.
7. 4G is ready
Apple's
decision to not include 4G connectivity in
the iPad 2 was widely criticized by reviewers and industry observers.
Apple, though, says it left 4G out because the networks aren't ready and it
would have caused too many design compromises. But 4G networks are now ready,
and Apple needs to bring that technology to the tablet sooner rather than
later.
8. Spending may slow early in 2012
With
the economy still in trouble and consumers spending cash this holiday shopping
season, Apple might have trouble selling a sizable number of products in the
first quarter of 2012 without a new iPad on store shelves. New iPads have a
tendency to get people to spend money. Apple should remember that when
first-quarter sales start to fall.
9. It establishes a six-month release
schedule with the iPhone
The
nice thing about launching the iPad 3 in the first quarter is that it allows
Apple to have two major launches-the iPhone and its tablet-spread six months
apart. Therefore, it gives consumers plenty of time to pick up both devices,
and it gives the company's investors some jolts two times during the year,
rather than just once. Launching the iPad 3 in the first quarter paves the way
for the iPhone 5 to launch around September or October and, thus, maximize
Apple's chances of generating huge revenue and profit figures.
10. It's what consumers expect
Apple
has launched an iPad at the beginning of 2010 and 2011. To not do the same next
year might be a mistake. After all, consumers who are waiting for the device might
grow impatient and go elsewhere. Moreover, a delay could cause some to fear
there is trouble afoot with Apple's iPad line. Doing what consumers expect when
it comes to launch dates is by no means a bad thing.
Follow Don Reisinger on Twitter by
clicking here
