iPad: Apple’s black eye

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Since its debut last month, Apple Inc.’s much-awaited iPad drew mixed reactions from tech analysts and gadgetophiles alike. While only a minor section of analysts were very optimistic about Apple’s tablet, others seem to be skeptical about its success. Those who speculated that Apple iPad might not receive a positive response from the market, may have guessed the situation right.

According to a survey performed by Retrevo, a leading shopping comparison site, it seems that a majority of the consumers are not interested in owning an iPad.

Retrevo possibly performed this research in order to help retailers decide how many iPads they should stock. However, having spoken to more than 1,000 Retrevo users, they concluded that the number seems to be marginal.

In interpreting their data, Manish Rathi, Retrevo’s co-founder, told Computerworld that all the twitching of mouths and tremors in tingly parts that accompanied the launch actually put people off.

Before iPad’s launch, 26 percent of those surveyed said that they had heard of the iPad, but wouldn’t be buying one. This positively leaped to 52 percent, immediately after Jobs revealed Apple’s new creation.

It is also evident from Retrevo’s pie-chart that pre-launch, 49 percent of respondents declared they didn’t need an iPad, which just ballooned to 61 percent after January 27th.

Though, perhaps some Apple-buffs may still die to own an iPad, but others may think rationally. Rathi believes “There’s just no killer app that goes on the tablet.”, which is probably killing the iPad hoopla. He affirms that “This will not be in line with the iPhone launch.”.

“There’s also an overwhelming discomfort with signing up with another data plan,” he told Computerworld pointing out to his inquiry’s result that 59 percent of people said they wouldn’t pay the $130 in order to enjoy the bountiful excitement of AT&T’s 3G. Retrevo’s survey depicted that a meager 3 percent people said before the launch, that they would definitely buy an iPad which however, soared to 9 percent after the announcement.

I’d like to share another little statistic, secured from Retrevo’s pie chart which states-21 percent of those surveyed after January 27 said they were “interested, but would need more information before they buy one.”

With this, let the optimists hope that a little boost, accompanied by a little keeping up with the more adventurous geeks, could generate decent sales and keep the flame of Apple burning brightly.