A leading online retailer today warned UK consumers to be wary of purchasing the Apple iPad from unscrupulous web stores.
Brian Trevaskiss of More Computers told PC Advisor that legitimate online stores currently have no iPads to sell, and no way of knowing when Apple will free up the supply chain. He added that customers shouldn't trust stores if they claim to have iPads 'in stock'.
As a consequence, Trevaskiss believes that iPad purchasers could face a long wait if they part with their money at the wrong place, although there's no suggestion that any stores would fail to fulfil the sale in the end.
"Like a lot of people we're keen to get our hands on Apple's iPads, but the truth is none of the reputable UK distributors have any stock or can even give any indication as to when stock might be available," Trevaskiss said.
"If you see an iPad online 'in stock', I'd be very wary."
It's possible that retailers could source iPads from the US, of course, but this should be made clear at the point of purchase. So what's the best advice for consumers keen to get their hands on Apple's latest gadget?
"Like a lot of things online if it looks too good to be true, it probably isn't true at all," said Trevaskiss. "As and when the UK iPad stock is available and guaranteed, we'll be amongst the first to start selling them, we've even set up MoreiPads.co.uk, our dedicated iPad shop."
The Apple iPad is available to pre-order from Apple's online store, and from Apple's high street stores from tomorrow. Currys, Dixons and PC World will also stock the device. For full pricing, and details of how to buy an Apple iPad see our Apple iPad FAQs.
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- For full pricing, and details of how to buy an Apple iPad see our Apple iPad FAQs.
Comments
VS Dude said: We are apparently a society of grown-up children who need to be constantly reminded not to accept offers from strangers and to be warned of things most intelligent people would easily recognize as unscrupulous There are no kittens in the van
Datasman said: It must be awful being one of those people who go through life emanating negativityI thought the article was exactly what readers need - a timely warning about buying from suppliers who say iPads are in stockI think were all grown-up enough to realise that a supplier will push his commercial angle - we can live without silly innuendo about the writer being his friend
Mike said: The article it not stupid some readers are The guy said be wary of buying from a website that says they have ipads in stock when authorised resellers do not even have them If you do you are likely to have to wait a long time for it while the online retailer earns interest on your money He implies that his company would not list them as in stock until they are actually in stock Fair enough really
Matt Egan - Editor said: Jeff Im friends with everyone Well most people Clearly Brian has his own agenda and hes going to push it but I asked him for his thoughts on a piece I was writing about how to buy the iPad bitlyaEZtYW knowing that More is very hot on live stock checking I thought his response was interesting is all Personally Id buy direct from Apple if I was getting an iPad which is what we recommend in the other piece
Ipad Excellence said: Great so look forward to getting my hands on a new Ipad Should sell for a mint of eBay
Kinner said: Idiots Stupid iPad all in the same breath
Jeff said: What a stupid article Is the writer friends with this guy or something
Paul said: Funny that the guy suggests you shouldnt risk buying online because there might not be any in stock Then is helpful enough to suggest buying them from his own company instead even going far enough as to plug their dedicated ipad website Does he think the world is full of idiots