Norway Customers Sold on iPad, Pre-Orders Closed

A Norwegian Apple reseller, Eplehuset (translated Apple House), has issued a note to clients informing them that the shop is already expecting a shortage of iPads, after looking at the sheer number of pre-orders registered so far. The shop claims demand has gone through the roof, even though Norway’s prices for Apple products exceed those imposed on US customers.

The note in question, posted over at Eplehuset’s website, can be found (translated) below.

Advance of the iPad

Due to high demand, we have temporarily had to stop the advance orders of the iPad.

It's been a crazy interest and demand for Apple's latest creation, iPad. Price and delivery for Europe will be ready in a short time, but in the meantime, we have chosen not to receive more pre-orders for now. Are you already on the list, keeping you naturally placed in the queue, and we will contact you as soon as we know anything more. We look forward as much as you!

Tech-site Electronista points out that resellers worldwide are taking numerous advance orders for the 3G version of the tablet device with 64GB of storage. It notes that Norwegian prices are likely to be disproportionately high, when the device ships, with a 16GB Wi-Fi-only iPad expected to retail for 3,790 Krone, which translates into approximately $640 (US). Shortages or delays may well be attributed to low production, rather than sheer demand, the site suggests. However, Eplehuset clearly states demand is at issue here.

Softpedia note
Apple introduced the iPad on January 27, 2010 (last month). The device is both praised and criticized by the tech industry, although only a handful of people have been able to hold one in their hands thus far. The WiFi-only model is expected to hit the market in March.

Apple’s CEO himself told the crowd attending the San Francisco event that there was nothing like holding one in your hands. Many are hoping Steve Jobs’ statement proves true, as the iPad already fails to impress from a number of standpoints, including lacking features such as a camera. There are also numerous complaints about Apple’s choice of going with microSIM cards for the 3G models, but several carriers have already confirmed their upcoming support. There are many other pros and cons, regarding the iPad. We suggest you head over to this page for more on this.

Are you planning on buying an iPad and, if so, which model? More importantly, how do you think it’s going to improve your life?