We scanned the prices of iPad sources in Metro Manila this afternoon and it looks like the prices have dropped sharply over the last few weeks. When the iPad was initially announced way back in April, 16GB WiFi units were being sold here in the Philippines for over P37,000. The 64GB WiFi + 3G model sold as high as P60,000. So how much is the iPad now via the various gray market/imported sources?
Kimstore, one of the most popular online gadget shops, is selling their 16GB WiFi iPad for only P24,200. When she started selling iPads she was selling the base model for P32,000. Several merchants in Greenhills are selling the same model for P23,000-P24,000 now (got as high as P34,000 a few months back). Some sellers in PhilMUG are actually letting go of their secondhand 16GB WiFi only iPads for as low as P19,000.
Possible Reasons
Here are some reasons on why we think the prices of the iPad dropped here in the Philippines:
- The iPad will officially launch in the Philippines this December. This will drive all gray market prices down because the official prices will obviously be cheaper than the ones they were offering. According to my talk with one of the managers in an iStudio branch they were told that there’s a big possibility that the iPads will be available a few days before Christmas.
- We now have an alternative with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Smart Communications offers this device for free if you get their postpaid plans.
- The device has lost it’s novelty already since it’s been here for several months now.
- The iPad 2 is scheduled for release in the US around March or April next year.
- There is now more supply than demand. Importers are getting their units from Singapore, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Before they could only get it in the US.
I have a strong feeling that we’ve already hit the floor price already since the official tag will be around P24,000 for the base model. If you’ve been having reservations about buying an iPad because you thought that you were being ripped off by importers that’s no longer the case. Just wait a couple of weeks more and official distributors like Digital Hub, iStudio, and Power Mac Center will be offering the device for good prices. 
