iPad sales keep rising

3G model now more popular than Wi-Fi version, according to Context

The iPad fad shows no sign of waning in the run-up to Christmas, with the more-expensive 3G model now accounting for the lion’s share of sales.

That is according to Context, which records tech product sales into resellers serving both businesses and consumers across Europe.

According to the market watcher, the pricier iPad 3G accounted for 58 per cent of total iPad unit sales in November. Despite it now being eight months since Apple launched its revolutionary media tablet, European iPad sales rose 6.5 per cent between October and last month.

The Wi-Fi model initially outsold its 3G counterpart by a ratio of seven to three but this was due to Apple shipping more Wi-Fi models near launch time.

The 3G version accounted for 80 per cent of November sales in the UK, where the telephone operator shops act as major outlets for the device.

Context founder Jeremy Davies said: “The iPad 3G has been outselling its Wi-Fi counterpart since June this year. iPad 3G sales peaked in August this year and made up 64 per cent of all iPad sales in Western Europe.”

The device is also already proving a surprise hit with businesses, with Forrester recently indicating that 43 per cent of European and US firms are interested in the post-PC form factor.