Prices crash in post-launch wake

The international demand for iPads has, in some cases, seen auction prices reach several times US retail cost, media sources say. One UK buyer is reported to have paid $5,500 to get an iPad, despite the fact that the country will receive native versions of the tablet later this month. Another buyer is said to have snapped up a 64GB iPad for $5,000, under the provision that it would be hand-delivered "anywhere in the world" on April 3rd.

Prices on eBay have since crashed, and at present even the most expensive auction is valued at no more than $900. Markups may in some cases be less than $100 higher than retail, making shipping costs as much of a concern. Some people could be willing to accept the burden given low stock in the US and a wait time for foreign launches that may extend over three weeks.

by MacNN Staff