With Wednesday’s rollout of the iPad 3 experts predict that the world’s largest technology company will sell its 100 millionth iPad based tablet by the end of 2012.
Apple has already sold more than 55 million iPad and iPad 2 devices and according to one industry analyst “there’s real pent-up demand.”
Another analyst believes Apple and other manufacturers are on track to sell more tablets in the next few years then the tech sector moves computers. Current estimates sit at nearly 75 million tablets worldwide which includes various Google Android based tablets including the Amazon Kindle Fire, Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet and other devices from the likes of Samsung and Toshiba.
In the meantime the iPad 3 according to 9to5mac is expected to be more expensive then iPad 2 devices with an average cost of $499 to $829 based on specs such as WiFi only, WiFi + 3G (possibly 4G) and hard drive sizes. The iPad 3 is also expected to offer a better processor (possibly quad-core) and a much improved camera.
Analyst company Munster believes the iPad 2 will continue to grace store shelves with a new lower starting price of $399 versus the tablets current $499 price tag.
Do you think Apple will be able to move its 100 millionth iPad based tablet before the end of 2012? With a market valuation of more than $500 billion I definitely wouldn’t bet against such a large sales volume.