The iPad is reported to be the fastest-selling electronic device ever and government leaders aren’t being left behind.
British Prime Minister David Cameron is the latest world leader have an Apple iPad. Cameron was regaled with two iPads as housewarming presents when he took residence at No. 10 Downing Street.
Both business mogul Mike Faith and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg had the bright idea of sending over the tablet computer.
Cameron wanted Apple’s “magical device” enough to pay out of his own pocket for it (£429, about $650) and stock it with £164 (about $262) of books. The iPad sent over the pond from Bloomberg is still unopened in the box.
President Barack Obama, who perhaps didn’t want to give the impression of a duplicate after his gift of an iPod to the Queen, sent over a painting instead.
Other world leaders who are early adopters of the iPad include Norway’s prime minister Jens Stoltenberg reportedly who ran his country from an iPad while stuck at the airport in New York.
While Stoltenberg was grounded due to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, his staff thought it best to let citizens know he was still busy with state affairs, sans tie and what looks to be a fairly regular airport lounge, by updating the state Flickr account with a photo titled “The Prime Minister is Working At the Airport.”
Russian President Dimitri Medvedev, long a Mac fan, brought an iPad with him to a meeting of the Council on the Arts, and the Council for Science and Technology, though it was said to be on loan from an aide.
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, of late more in the news for his extracurricular “bungabunga” handiwork with minors — is also said to use an iPad.
While the White House abounds with iPads — some of them used to play Pac Man — President Obama has not yet been spotted using one. Perhaps this will change after his recent meeting with Apple CEO Steve Jobs.
Sources: BBC, Real Clear Politics, TUAW, Macitynet
