We know everybody is waiting for the upcoming launch of iPad, and must be wondering where they can buy iPad and iPad accessories.  Well, as per a recent announcement from Apple, the iPad will follow sales model of iPhone during its launch period.  What that means is that iPad and Apple branded iPad accessories would be available for sale only through Apples direct sales channels and select retail locations which have Apple assistance.  And this comes with no bundling and zero discounting.

Recently, speaking at Goldman Sachs annual technology conference, San Francisco, Apples Chief Operating Officer, Tim Cook announced that iPad would launch in online education, retail & other direct sales but might also include Apple assisted sales by partners such as Best Buy. So as per the Apple sales strategy, they want to restrict the sale of the Apple iPad to Apple’s online store during the short honeymoon period. After the honeymoon period is over, Best Buy will carry Apple iPad and accessories, just like other Apple products.

This left room for suggestion that iPad sales could be offered by AT&T stores too who are the wireless partner for Apple in United States.  The iPad will also be offered by Apple’s premium resellers.

Cook revealed that he had been personally using iPad for close to 6 months and felt that once consumers experience iPad for the first time they will find it hard to buy a Netbook. He denigrated the Netbook calling them merely cheap laptops.

He claims the experience of using an iPad to be absolutely incredible adding that Apple can’t wait to start shipping the device He also claims the browsing, photo and email display of the iPad are the best available today!

Cook is not too concerned that iPad sales would cannibalize sales of other products of Apple like Mac or iPod touch.

We wonder if this selling strategy will leave third party sellers like Amazon, Small Dog, Power Max and Mac Mall to sell only iPad accessories and the add-ons. Will Apple be able to mass market iPad without third party channels is a question on everybody’s mind.  Meanwhile, Cook believes that the $499 iPad is at an incredible value!