by Isi Esene

International brand products have continued to find their way into the country, the latest entrant being the Apple range of iPad devices, a product which has succeeded in changing the way people work and play.

While announcing Apple’s official entry into Nigerian market, Rutger-Jan van Spaandonk, executive director of Core Group Africa said, “Apple’s category defining mobile device, the new iPad, has revolutionised the mobile computing industry and delivers the most amazing experience people have ever had with technology. We are thrilled to make this unbelievable product available to Nigerians.”

The smartphone maker, which reported revenue of $108bn last year, at the weekend announced the appointment of four authorised resellers in Nigeria namely; iConnect (Lagos), Meed Networks (Abuja), Orchard (Lagos), and Cross-Energy Supply (Abuja) – all expected to provide customers with best-in-class service support.

One benefit of this official entry into the Nigerian market is the introduction of a 2-year-warranty on Apple’s products sold in the country. The brand plans on further penetrating the market by partnering with the Telecos to move more device to consumers.

According to BusinesssDay Newspapers, Core Group Africa, who are the value-added distributors in the country, have also announced an added benefit of an additional year of warranty upon the warranty already provided by its authorised resellers. Buyers would, however, be required to show a proof of purchase from the seller and must have registered the device on www.isocietynigeria.com.

With this splash entry by Apple, all other smartphone makers like Blackberry, Samsung and others currently operating in the country would have to braze-up and get ready for the stiff competition ahead.

Consumers would be the better for it on the long run.