iPad 3 is a big hit in IT city Bangalore

Die-hard Apple fans lined up in front of Imagine store in UB City to be the first to get their hands on iPad 3 which proved to be a hot-seller on Friday, the day of its Indian launch.

The store sold 83 of the 107 launch pieces.

“We sold 80% of the launch stock and still counting. We are sure the entire stock will be sold out at the end of the day,” said Jibran, sales clerk at the store.

“The launch has taken place. But we would be receiving our stock only next week. None of authorised Apple stores have stocks,” he added.

This helped grey market dealers since some customers did not want to wait.

These dealers had received their stocks two days in advance of the official Indian launch date and they sold at least 20 pieces from each shop.

Their customers were happy as each saved `1,000 and received the bill and warranty too.

“I purchased iPad 3 a day before its official launch and saved 1,000 bucks. Purchasing the same at the official store will take a long time as the launch is always at one place and there will be long queue,” said Keshav Kumar, a hotel management student.

The 16 GB device with wi-fi networks is priced at Rs30,500 while the one which operates on wi-fi as well as 4G costs Rs38,900.

The new iPad is, however, not compatible with the 4G LTE network currently available in India and customers will have to make do with the 3G networks.

The first 4G network in India has been launched by Airtel in Kolkata and is due to hit the Bangalore market in the coming months.