iPad

After announcing release of the iPad back in late January, Apple finally set a release for the device. Here is the scoop:

iPad Release Date Update
• The Wi-Fi model will start selling the US on 4/3/2010.
• 3G/Wi-Fi model will be available at the end of April 2010.
• Preordering: Starts on 3/12/2010 (both models, US only).
• Location: Preorders will be taken at the Apple store or online at Apple.com
• 3G dataplan w/ATT starts at fifteen bucks for 250MB – the unlimited plan is thirty bucks.
• No word on the Rest of the World Dates (see the post below on the UK blurb)

Prep the checkbook folks…

More on the anticipated release date, this time via SF Examiner:

• The product will be demoed to the iStore sales folks on 3/10
• Sales personel will start iPad training program on 3/10
• Apple is targeting 3/26 as the release date
• 3G model release may be pushed to May
• Full force marketing attack starts on 3/15
• Marketing will focus on e-Book features
• Early birds will get a gift with purchase

Read more about it in Arnold Kim’s article here (Examiner).

A short note on the iPad UK release date and prices – it’s a rumored leak via Geeky Gadgets (link below), so take the news with a grain of salt:

iPad WiFi Model UK Price List (all prices in Pound sterling)
1. iPad 16GB WiFi Model will go for £389
2. iPad 32GB WiFi model will go for £439
3. iPad 64GB WiFi model will go for £489

No word on 3G pricing though – given the delayed release date of the 3G models this is not surprising.


The article has a short note on a bit delayed UK shipping date (April ‘10) as well: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/apple-ipad-to-cost-389-in-the-uk-25-02-2010/

There is a rumor that Apple will start talking preoders for the iPad deliveries on 2/25 (this should not be confused with an official release date which can be defined as a date the first iPad units will be shipped or physically sold).

You’ll remember that this is almost 5 weeks sooner than the initial WIFI model March shipping date I blogged about back in January

The preordering process would be limited to customers in the USA (the article also has a blurb on a supply chain pressures that Apple might be facing with such a short release window).

Take this info with a grain of salt as this is just one in a long chain of speculations revolving around the potential iPad release date.

Source: http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/02/20/ipad.would.get.advance.sales.feb.25/

On Release Date:

This one is going to be short (we may have to revisit this if the release date slips):

1. iPad Wi-Fi models Release Date: Shipping in late March.
2. iPad 3G models Release Date: Shipping in April.

Anyhow, that’s what is currently posted at the homepage (http://www.apple.com/ipad/) – stay tuned – I’ll be tracking this and posting as we learn specifics about iPad availability on Amazon and Best Buy (please comment and post info on specific retailers if you have it available. You can contact me via the link in the main meny.)