iPad – one of the most awaited gadgets of the year was finally launched by Apple on the midnight of Saturday, April 3, 2010.   It was the day of Easter, but for Apple fans, it turned out to be a Christmas day.  Apple sold 300,000 units of iPad within few hours of its launch.

Customers began arriving from midnight in anticipation of their tablet computer to the Apple stores.  And they were rewarded with free cartons of coffee from Apple Workers in the  morning.  The customers have seemed to love the new device.

In terms of the product launch, the  marketing departments and analysts are using sales numbers to estimate success of the iPad launch.  Going by estimates from ‘Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster’, iPad has managed to sell close to 300,000 iPad’s in the United States on its launch day .

Apple has not said anything about the launch day sales figure for iPad. Munster found these numbers by calling all the stores.  His research says that 19 of 20 Apple stores were sold out at seven thirty pm for iPad on its launch day.  If the figures are correct then this is nothing short of incredible!

The worldwide sale of iPad is anticipated to touch 7.1 million by the year end.  Sales are expected to double next year and then to reach  20.1 the year after that, as per research firm predictions.

The press reviews of iPad are favorable.  The iPad’s design, multi touch interface and applications compensate for perceived limitations.  And it should be in huge demand for early adopters.

Growth should soar in the years ahead because more iPad Apps would be available in the market.  Also, the Apple is expected to improve the iPad’s functionality.  Sales figures would also greatly change if Apple reconsiders its inability to support Flash.

Without support for Adobe Flash the users of Ipad will be unable to enjoy a sizable amount of Websites which promote web based video and games.

The iPad was well received by local developers writing programs known as Apps for iPod touch and the iPhone.  Many users compared the tablet device  to the kindle and felt that it does everything a Kindle does and even more!

Nevertheless, Apple also needs to be ready to handle competition.  Many new vendors are going to be uncovering their own tablets with stronger features.  But as of now the Apple has the first mover’s advantage!