The iPad Mini and fourth-generation iPad go on sale today in more than 30 countries. However, relative to other Apple product launches, the start of the opening weekend of sales has been somewhat subdued.
According to reports, in Asian cities the iPad Mini launch attracted smaller than usual crowds. In Sydney, Australia, about 50 people reportedly queued outside the Apple store. For the iPhone 5 launch, the queue stretched for several blocks.
The iPad Mini is Apple's first departure from the 10-inch tablet form factor. Apple says, with a 7.9-inch display, the iPad Mini is essentially a smaller iPad and is not a "compromised" product like its competitors' offerings. The iPad Mini has the same resolution as the iPad 2 and has an A5 processor.
The starting price of $329 for the new device has been seen as a major sticking point for consumers. Rival offerings in the seven-inch tablet market typically retail at $199. Apple has, however, defended its premium pricing, saying consumers will be willing to pay extra for a higher quality product.
Consumers were also shocked by the surprise appearance of the fourth-generation iPad, just months after the debut of the third-generation model.
Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster predicts Apple will sell between a million and 1.5 million iPad Minis over the first weekend. This figure is well below the three million third-generation iPads that were sold over the first weekend of availability earlier this year.
Munster says: "The reason we expect fewer iPad Minis compared to the third-generation is because of the lack of the wireless option and newness of the smaller form factor for consumers. We believe that over time that will change."
The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy to the east coast of the US also poses a challenge for the launch weekend. Some of Apple's most trafficked stores are currently non-operational. Two Apple stores in New York City and three stores in New Jersey are shuttered until further notice.
Looking beyond the launch weekend, some analysts say the iPad Mini will eventually outsell the full-sized iPad. All pre-order stock for the iPad Mini and iPad 4 sold out early this week. Topeka Capital Market analyst Brian White said in a note: "In our view, this is a very strong statement from consumers and we believe iPad Mini will eventually surpass sales of the iPad over the next two to three years."
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