Notebook and iPad prices set to increase by 6,5

With the Rand weakening against the dollar over the past few weeks and now hovering over the R8.40 to the dollar mark, from below R7.80, the prices of the popular iPads from Apple- and of notebooks in general – are set to rise again.

Christopher Riley, the MD of notebook and accessories retailer,The Notebook Company (Notebook.co.za and Laptop.co.za) – and the pioneer importer of the latest Apple iPads – said he expects prices to rise by around 6,5%, or more, if the Rand continues to weaken.

“We are trying to keep prices as low as possible but it seems the Rand is weakening against the dollar and is staying above the R8,00 mark. This puts additional pressure on pricing.”

He said iPad sales now account for around 60% of the company’s total sales. The company was the first in SA to import the latest iPads as stock shortages continue to hamper South African purchases. Local users keen to lay their hands on the latest Apple iPads are seemingly willing to pay a premium, with Riley saying he will continue to import iPads if customers say they want them”.