DUBAI // Apple's anticipated iPad 2 is now available in Dubai, almost a week before the official international launch of the tablet computer.
High demand and limited supply have already pushed prices up, by as much as Dh700 above the original rate in just one day on some models. Yesterday prices ranged from Dh3,900 for the 16gb Wi-Fi model to Dh7,000 for the 64gb 3G version. The comparable US prices are US$499 (Dh1,832) and $829.
Currently, only the gadget store Tarsam Image - which has a stall in Marina Mall and a shop and micro-stall in Mall of the Emirates - has a substantial supply of the device.
Tarsam received the grey market import delivery on Tuesday and trade has been brisk, with shoppers trying to negotiate prices.
The iPads are being kept in locked cabinets, away from prying hands, and customers are not allowed to try them before they buy. "We have got both black and white versions and they are proving very popular," said a Mall of the Emirates Tarsam shop assistant, who did not want to be named. "People seem to be really going for the white model at the moment, particularly the 32 and 64gb 3G."
"We have all the models except the 64gb Wi-Fi version and we're not sure when we will get our next delivery," she added.
The Tarsam stall in Marina Mall had only the 16gb and 32gb Wi-Fi versions of the product.
Major shops such Jumbo, Jackys and even the new Apple concession in the Virgin Megastore did not have the iPad 2 in stock. Clerks said they expected to start receiving deliveries from March 25, the official international launch day, or later.
In the US stocks are already running low, and people placing orders through Apple's website are being told to expect a four or five-week wait for delivery.
