The launch of Apple’s much-hyped tablet computer, the iPad, has been beset by issues with poor Internet connections, according to reports.
The device shipped 300,000 on its first day of release, which was actually well below some analyst expectations, and has gone on to shift over 500,000 in total since then. Steve Jobs, CEO at Apple, was delighted with the initial figures.
“It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world, it’s going to be a game changer,” Jobs said. “IPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad.”
However reports have begun to emerge that many users are having issues with the Wi-Fi connectivity on the iPad. IPad owners have flooded Apple’s discussion boards to complain that their device is struggling to get a strong signal, despite other nearby devices working normally.
One user, called Casa De Trevino, said: “Having same problem with Wi-Fi being weak and constantly fluctuating. I have to keep entering my password to regain access to my network after having lost a signal. Two iPhones and two MacBooks showing full signal with no interrupts.”
“I have rebooted the iPad 3 times, doesn’t help. My MacBook is running on the same Wi-Fi network just fine. Not spending $500 on something I can’t even use. It’s going back tomorrow,” said another user on the forum.
Michael Arrington from TechCrunch also said he is experiencing problems and speculated that the issue may be caused by the placement of the Wi-Fi antenna in the device.
Content from our partners
“My understanding of Wi-Fi issues on devices, particularly cramped devices like the MacBook Air and iPad, is that it’s usually a hardware/design issue and something that can’t be fixed via a software patch. I hope that’s not the case with the iPad, because faulty Wi-Fi would make this a very unattractive device.”
Apple has yet to comment on the issue.
You can read Jason Stamper’s take on what’s wrong with the iPad here.
