Demand for iPad 3 High, Study Finds
Source: Chloe Albanesius
Apple hasn't even announced what its new iPad will include, but approximately 30 percent of mobile Web users intend to purchase the new tablet, according to a new report.
Of the 689 mobile users polled in the U.S., mobile ad network InMobi found that 29 percent of respondents are looking to buy the iPad 3. About 54 percent of that group does not currently own a tablet.
Not everyone needs a brand-new iPad, however. About 65 percent of those who want to buy an iPad said they wouldn't be opposed to buying a discounted iPad 2 instead of an iPad 3 at full price. About 50 percent of prospective iPad buyers are willing to pay more than $500 for their new tablet; if that price creeps above $599, buyers would opt for an older, cheaper model, InMobi found.
This indicates "that whether or not consumers purchase an iPad 3 versus an older model, the excitement around the iPad 3 release will likely increase iPad penetration in the tablet market," Anne Frisbie, vice president and managing director for North America at inMobi, said in a statement.
Apple shouldn't worry too much about competition. About 44 percent of those polled said they would only consider an iPad when purchasing a tablet. Coming in second, however, was Samsung's Galaxy Tab with 27 percent, followed by Amazon's Kindle at 14 percent.
What are buyers excited about with the iPad 3? About 57 percent want faster processor speeds, 47 percent want a better battery life, and 46 percent want a higher quality screen.
Also on buyers' wish lists were 4G connectivity (43 percent), a better camera (34 percent), and different size and weight (31 percent).
Apple sold about 15 million iPads during the fourth quarter, helping it nab about 58 percent of the tablet market.
We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what Apple actually unveils. Check back on PCMag.com around noon Eastern time as we kick off a live blog of the San Francisco event, which officially begins at 1pm. Until then, check out What We Want in the iPad 3, as well as PCMag's full review of the iPad 2 and the slideshow below.
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