GigaOM Pro

Summary:

Apple had the attention of the technology world last week as it finally unveiled its new web tablet, the iPad. The long-rumored product met most, if not all, of the pre-announcement expectations with an impressive array of features and Apple’s trademark design. But will technology enthusiasts race to the closest Apple store come March 2010, when the product hits the streets? Not necessarily.

In a survey of both Apple enthusiasts and general mobile enthusiasts — derived from our readership at TheAppleBlog and JkOnTheRun – all 1,000 survey panel respondents were very aware of the iPad, but technology enthusiasts can be fairly discerning buyers.

This report looks at web tablet demand trends among advanced technology consumers/early adopters — including demographic factors influencing purchasing decision, key features and characteristics supporting demand, and preferred operating systems — and applies the conclusions to project demand for Apple’s iPad over the first six months following its introduction.