Piper and Deutsche say iPad 2 sold out immediately

Checks by Deutsche Bank Chris Whitmore and Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster this weekend suggested that Apple had sold out of iPad 2s in record time. Both checked across retailers and found that no stores had stock left by Saturday. Whitmore had the most diverse look and found the sellouts true both across 50 Apple stores, 20 Best Buy and Walmart stores, and a blend of AT&T and Verizon carrier stores.

The Munster analysis also gave gave a possible look into the demographics. Although he chose a low survey sample of 236 buyers, about 70 percent of those he asked in line were new buyers. The bias was proof Apple was "expanding its base" and was key to cornering the tablet market by having as many as possible on its platform before they could consider Android, the BlackBerry PlayBook or another OS first.

The study did show that Apple was no longer catering chiefly to loyalists. While three quarters (74 percent) were Mac users when the iPad first appeared, they now represented just over half, at 51 percent, showing a near-even balance with Windows users. Kindle owners were also now a larger portion, as 24 percent said they had the e-reader. In a possible worry for Amazon, 37 percent said they were buying an iPad either to replace the Kindle or instead of one.

Virtually none were replacing their iPhones or computers with the iPad. Apple's "post-PC" label wasn't yet valid, according to the study.

Device buying was split virtually evenly across every model. The 32GB capacity was the most popular at 41 percent, but 16GB and 64GB were nearly evenly divided at almost 30 percent. Despite the higher price, 3G was nearly as popular at 47 percent versus 53 percent. Early adopters may be skewing the results since they tend to be more willing to buy higher-end models.

Piper Jaffray in the end believed that Apple hadn't reached the one million unit mark, as claimed elsewhere, but believed that it was nearly halfway to the goal within hours at between 400,000 to 500,000 units.

By Electronista Staff

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Amazon, iPhone, Investor, industry, gadgets, digital imaging, Android, BlackBerry, Best Buy, Kindle, Piper Jaffray, Apple, Walmart, iPad, Deutsche Bank, PlayBook, iPad 2