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).

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.)

LA Times has a nice yet limited piece on Apple’s stock movement. Anyhow, I am quoting the author here: …Amid speculation about an upcoming tablet computer, Apple’s shares have risen 145% this year…. More at LA Time’s site here.
Hexus(dot)net claims that iPad is about to be announced in January ’10, that developers are being asked to start developing apps for a full screen touch screen apps (major demo in January 2010), and the site is passing on FT Wednesday report claiming that Apple has booked Yerba Buena Center for a large event on 1/26/10. Oh, let’s see where this takes us…

Wired came up with an interesting story today (titled Everything We Know About Apple’s Touchscreen Table) regarding the upcoming Apple tablet (the article does not specifically refer to the device as an “ipad”). In short, the author summarized the rumors that revolve around the tablet and draws a conclusion that the existence of the device is not in question anymore. Also, the article cites an unnamed tipster with a solid track of performance and quotes a January 2010 release date (or “announcement” date). Additional details regarding the size of the device (~10 inch screen) and other specs are cited (e.g., 3G wireless connection, 720p resolution, 7x larger touchable surface as compared to the iPhone, etc.). A rather bizarre fake image of the iPad is provided as well. Needles to say, the news ignited a flurry of comments that resemble entrenched religious rhetorical wrangling.