The Apple iPad Post-Release Stories in the US

The much discussed Apple iPad went on sale in the US on 3rd April, 2010. On just the first day, the sales charts hit an overwhelming 300,000, including pre-orders, direct sales from the Apple store and other retail vents. Not just the sales, even the downloading of apps and online books saw a huge boost. Apple has reported the downloading of a total of 1 million apps and 250,000 online-books on the day.

However, the actual sales figures were less by a factor of 2 than the predicted ones. Some analysts had predicted sales of 600,000-700,000 for the Apple tablet, on the first day.

Post Release…
Two issues have sprouted up since the release of the iPad in the US – WiFi signal strength issue and the USB port charging issue.

1st issue - Some WiFi users have noticed that the WiFi signal strength on the Apple iPad is lower than that on other WiFi capable devices when used in a particular WiFi hotspot, at the same distance from the WiFi router. Signal fluctuations have also been reported. Many users lose their WiFi connectivity when the iPad wakes from sleep too.

Reasons – The reason for this (an assumption) is attributed to
- the external aluminium case of the iPad which is supposedly lowering signal strength
- the power saving techniques employed by Apple to increase battery life

Solution – This issue has been acknowledged by Apple but the problem still remains to be completely fixed. Check the Troubleshooting tips from Apple. Here’s Apple’s resolution for the losing of WiFi connectivity once the iPad wakes up from sleep.

2nd issue – Charging the iPad via a USB port is not happening for some of the users.

Reason - This is said to be because of the iPad’s huge appetite, drawing in high quantities of charge than can be supported by the standard USB connection.

Solution – Apple is asking users to use the high speed USB 2.0 ports for charging.

Apple iPad in use…
On the internet, you can find the Apple iPad put to use in various ways:-
- A 2-year old who seems to be enjoying using the iPad (YouTube video)
- Getting the tablet installed in a car (YouTube video)

And then there are suggestions of what could be good to download:-

- iPhone iPad Games

- Five of the Best Apple iPad Apps

The iPad and the other Biggies in the industry
While Microsoft Office has not yet been adapted for the iPad, many of Google’s tools have been made iPad-friendly; like the Gmail, the Mobile App, YouTube, Maps, with Google set as the default page on the Safari browser.

The iPad has been received in the US market with mixed reactions!
Read more in Apple iPad Verdicts