Apple iPad goes on sale - high sales, but hardware problems reported?

Over the past few weeks, there has been one device which must surely have become one of the most discussed and talked about gadgets in recent memory. That device is the Apple iPad, and commentary on it has ranged from praise to harsh criticism, with a lot of famous commentators (notably Stephen Fry) calling it a paradigm shift in how we look at mobile gadgets, and just as many commentators calling it a niche product for a niche that does not exist.

However, up until now, all that any of us have had to go on is second-hand reports from reviewers who may have already received an iPad. That situation has now changed, because the Apple iPad is now officially on sale.

Early indications are that the initial launch of the iPad has been a success, with sources stating that on the official launch day, the iPad sold around 300,000 units. This is an exceptionally impressive figure, and it is more impressive when taking into account the fact that many commentators, up until this point, had stated that the iPad would struggle to find a market. There have been many theories put forth as to how the iPad has managed to achieve such a strong opening day, however, with Apple fans stating that the device is just 'that good', and more critical commentators stating that as it is made by the Cupertino electronics giant, Apple fans were always going to buy one, and love it.

In any case, the initial sales figures for the iPad are impressive, selling even more than the original iPhone on its first day. The iPhone went on to sell well over a million units, so it is not unreasonable to suggest that the iPad may do the same, although it is too early to say whether it will gain a significant foothold in the market, or whether everyone who does want an iPad bought theirs on launch day, and therefore, sales will peter out.

It is also interesting to note that the iPad is also already, to some extent, fulfilling the role Apple envisage for it: as a device to consume media, and for downloading more software from the Apple App Store. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has noted that 'iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad.'

However, the launch of the iPad has had some issues, according to various sources, which stem from reported cases of both hardware and software problems. The most prevalent issue that has been encountered is with the iPad's WiFi connection, with many users reporting that their iPad has either a weak WiFi signal with slow transfer rates, or having an intermittent WiFi signal, which drops out altogether. It is unknown whether this is caused by a hardware problem within the iPad itself, or whether it is caused by the router the user is trying to connect their iPad to, but it is one issue that has been reported.

Potentially more worrying is the reports which have emerged of overheating iPads, where the unit will become too hot, and force itself into shutdown mode, to prevent damage to the hardware. Again, it is unknown if this is simply a first generation bug, or whether it is a problem with the A4 chips Apple use, in conjunction with the aluminium body of the iPad. Software issues which have been reported include problems exporting PDF files from apps, and the device losing password and memory settings.

However, it is entirely possible that these are simply early teething problems, and if they can be resolved, then the Apple iPad may well be a force to be reckoned with in future.

image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jmattbuchanan