Apple didn’t invent the personal computer, but it was a prime mover in making them popular. It’s starting to look like the same can be said for tablet computers. A relatively sleepy category of device used mainly for data collection and certain vertical applications, tablet computers have become a hot category after the iPad’s debut this year sparked millions of sales.
Now in a further sign of the iPad’s mainstream appeal, Apple plans to expand distribution beyond Apple Stores and Best Buy, to Target, which boasts over 1,700 stores across the U.S.
But even though Target might be best known for discount clothing and appliances, Datamation reports on why there’s an IT angle to the iPad being more broadly available.
Apple is moving quickly to broaden its distribution channel for its hot-selling iPad, inking a deal to make the tablet computer available at Target stores starting October 3. The retailer announced Friday that it plans to carry all six versions of the iPad starting with the 16GB Wi-Fi model priced at $499.99, as well as the 32GB, 64GB Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G models.
Bargain hunters might be motivated to wait a few more weeks to mid-October when Target plans to offer shoppers who use a Target credit card a 5 percent discount on all their purchases.