iPad lands big in Japan, other foreign markets

iPad lands big in Japan, other foreign markets
Outside an Apple store in Sydney's Bondi Junction.CNET AustraliaThough no one can predict yet what the iPad's strong suit will be overseas, it's expected to have special appeal in Japan as a medium for viewing manga and magazines, and playing games. Japan's online media is saturated with reports of how the iPad will "revolutionize" magazines and newspapers in that country.A wide variety of "shukanshi," or weekly magazines, are immensely popular in Japan and lend themselves to viewing on the iPad.If successful, the iPad would be a small-device trifecta in Japan for Apple.The iPod dominates, at Sony's expense, the digital music player market in Japan and the iPhone is now the best selling smartphone.Apple Japan is selling both the Wi-Fi only and 3G versions, starting at 48,800 yen and 61,800 yen, respectively. In Australia, Apple opened its seventh Australian retail store in Sydney's Bondi Junction to coincide with the start of sales, according to CNET Australia. If overseas sales are any reflection of those in the U.S., availability will likely be limited.Many stores in the states have been chronically sold out of the iPad, especially the 3G version.Forecasts currently put worldwide iPad sales at about 5 million this year.