Apple iPad popular, but misunderstood, in Middle East

An international survey found that people in the Middle East overestimate the features and capabilities of Apple's new iPad, believing the tablet device was capable of making phone calls and also came with a camera.

Apple launched the iPad on January 27th after weeks of intense speculation and hype. It's capable of browsing the web, reading and sending email, playing multimedia, acting as an e-reader and can run almost any of the 140,000+ apps in the Apple App Store. But it can't make phone calls, as 59% of the people surveyed from the Middle East believe. The same number also thought the iPad came with a camera to take photos.

In comparison, only 37% of survey respondents in Germany and Britain, 36% in the USA and 40% in Denmark thought the iPad could make phone calls.

Middle East respondents were also most likely to buy the iPad, with 58% of respondents stating they would definitely or probably buy the iPad, compared to just 17% in Germany, 13% in the USA and only 7% in Denmark and the UK.

Despite the enthusiasm for the device, Middle East respondents were the most thrifty on price, with respondents saying they were willing to pay just $160 to $320 for the iPad, even though Apple's prices in the US start at $499.

"Apple with the help of Steve Jobs has the most amazing ability to create buzz when it comes to launching a new product. People all over the world have heard about it.  The problem is that so many, particularly in this region do not really understand what the device can and cannot deliver, which could leave many disappointed," said Iman Annab, CEO, YouGovSiraj. "The fact we can find out and quantify what people in different parts of the world are thinking of this product in a matter of days, is an extensively powerful tool."

YouGov's survey saw 2,252 people from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates take part, which is the highest sample size compared to any of the other countries involved.

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