Big Drop In iPad Interest May Bring Price Cut

Apple (AAPL) has a problem. Steve Jobs created a huge surge in interest in the new iPad table computer when he introduced it. The interest has turned into concern about the price and features of the device.

According to Retrevo, which tracks consumer electronics trends, a new study it conducted “indicates a failure to convince any new buyers to consider the iPad. Not only did Apple fail to convince new buyers, it may have lost many potential buyers who now say they don’t think they need an Apple tablet computer.”

People who are interested in the device but would not buy one rose from 26% right after Jobs announcement to 52% in the period of the study which was between January 27 and February 3rd. The number of people who had heard about the iPad and would buy one dropped from 19% to 9%.

Apple largest single problem is that the number of people who believe that they need an iPad rose from 49% to 61% between the first Retrevo study and the second. One of the primary reasons was that customers who buy the iPad have to pay extra for 3G capability.

The study indicates that the price of the iPad is too high, especially for people who want 3G. With interest in the iPad falling, price may be the only inducement, at least as the product launches.

Douglas A. McIntyre