14 DAY TRIAL // Retrevo, the consumer electronics shopping and review site, has published a new report based on further research in the electronics consumer segment. Its latest findings suggest that Apple’s iPad is steadily building up some interesting consumer behavior. The analysis aims to show that Apple’s tablet is surely going to be a game changer, regardless of how many units it will sell.
“As the hype subsides and the media frenzy moves on to the next big thing, the wait begins for the Apple iPad to reach the hands of anxious buyers,” Retrevo says. “Based on the mixed reception the iPad has received it's anyone's guess whether or not Apple will have a hit on its hands. In either case, we suspect there will be some interesting consumer behavior caused by the iPad,” it reveals.
A list of such changes is provided, beginning with the fact that, “It will sell more Motorola Droids, Palm Pres, and WiFi routers like Verizon's MiFi.” Confused? Retrevo explains:
“Our hunch is the 32GB iPad at $599 will be the most popular model but who is going to want to spend the extra money for 3G especially when you already have it with your cell phone? Now, we don’t expect you’ll be able to tether your iPhone to the iPad so that leaves WiFi or better yet WiMax. Right now the Droid can use free apps that turn it into a WiFi hotspot for no extra cost. Touch Pro 2, Imagio, and Omnia II users can also turn their phones into WiFi hotspots. For $40 a month you can use a Palm Pre or you could go with something like Verizon’s MiFi or even Sprint's WiMax dongle and a CradlePoint portable router.”
Retrevo also believes the iPad will give hope to Apple’s competitors that they can still create something new and cool. Noting that Steve Jobs has kind of failed to innovate this time around, by releasing just an oversized iPod touch, Retrevo is addressing Samsung, and the rest of the hardware vendors out there, saying, “Here’s your chance to take a giant leap with a new mind reading, natural language using, gesture-based, solar powered, lightweight, truly revolutionary device.”
Retrevo believes others will have the chance to gain marketshare just because the iPad doesn't truly revolutionize anything
Credits: Retrevo
In the company’s opinion, the iPad will boost Kindle sales, while propelling figures for other devices that fall in the E-reader category, but will also sell more netbooks, the feature-packed, small form-factor devices capable of doing more than an iPad, for less cash.
At the other end of the spectrum, the iPad is, after all, a device for any kind of user. “Five year olds don’t need multitasking and neither do they need a phone. We suspect many parents will be willing to buy junior’s first computer at a much earlier age if it’s an iPad,” Retrevo forecasts. “It will be easier to justify your kid’s first handheld game machine if it also serves as a book reader and window to the world wide web,” it explains.
Retrevo already has a history in providing this kind of analysis. The company rolls out iPad-reports on a weekly basis, (even since before the introduction of the device), showing its commitment to observing and understanding customer habits at the highest level. By citing voices in the tech industry, while adding its own experience in the field, Retrevo is able to provide comprehensive observations without crossing the thin line between possibility and utter speculation.