Our first morning in Hong Kong was greeted with unusual excitement as Apple unveiled its new iPad 3. After crossing to Hong Kong Island on the Star Ferry, we happened upon an Apple store teeming with frenzied employees and consumers craving the hot new product.
We fought the crowds to enter the store and finally got our hands on the new iPad. Frankly it is a nice device featuring a slim design, wicked performance and an exceptional display. 2-3 times per minute or less the blue-shirted employees would cheer as a new purchaser would run upstairs to receive the coveted iPad. There was more energy in the store than at most sporting events.
We were amazed by the near hysteria, the consumer deluge bolstered by the many mainland Chinese who came to Hong Kong specifically to get the new iPad and waited in long queues before the store’s doors opened. Ironic really, considering the iPad is manufactured in China but is not yet available there for purchase. And it costs twice as much in Hong Kong as it does in the US.
Impressive debut, once again. Kudos to Apple for inspiring such zeal among consumers, an amazing feat and rare indeed for a company today. The wondrous wizardry of Steve Jobs lives on…