The 3G bandwidth question for the new tablet is still up in the air
The international launch of the Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPad has propelled sales of the tablet over the 2 million mark in just two months. (See iPad Sales Top 2 Million.)
Apple launched the tablet in nine countries around the world on Friday. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company first introduced the iPad in the US with a WiFi-only version on April 3, and a dual-mode version with 3G on board followed on April 30.
Apple announced that it had sold 1 million iPads with the launch of the 3G version in the US. The company had to initially delay the international launch of the iPad because its suppliers could not meet early demand.
The big question that still hangs over the iPad is how it will affect performance on 3G networks. The gadget is expected to consume data at the rate of a netbook but is selling like a smartphone. The iPad will get multitasking in the fall, which could further increase bandwidth consumption (See iPhone: Could Multitasking Increase 3G Woes?)
Application developers may not be helping the issue. The Interfacelab says that the Wired app for the iPad is a 500MB download. This download alone would bust through AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)'s cheaper $14.99 plan that allows users to download 250MB a month.
In total, developers have created more than 5,000 iPad-specific apps, in addition to the thousands of iPhone apps that can also run on the iPad.
See more of our iPad coverage below:
iPad Sales Top 2 Million
Photos: iPad Hits Europe, APAC
Europe Almost Catches iPad Fever
UK Operators Reveal iPad Data Plans
Is AT&T Ready for the 3G iPad?
iPads Kill Netbook Growth
iPad: Before the Backlash
3G iPad: Sales, Hacks & Video Issues
3G iPad Proves Popular
Apple to Ship New 3G iPads by May 7
Apple Delays International iPad
The iPad Has WiFi Teething Troubles
The iPad Has Landed
The iPad: a Threat to Flash's Video Dominance?
CTIA 2010: Where's Carrier Support for 3G iPad?
The iPad Consumer
Apple's iPad: Unlocking the 3G Myth
Will the Apple iPad Crush 3G Networks?
Scenes From the Apple iPad Launch
Gadget Watch: Awaiting the Apple Tablet
Apple Tablet Eyed for March Release
— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile
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