Mobile Computing News

Photo: Apple

While analysts pontificated when the iPad would go on sale, and whether we should expect a lengthy delay, Apple has come out to squash all the rumours with concrete release information: the iPad with wi-fi only goes on sale 3 April in the US and some time later that month in the UK.

Pre-order and release

iPad shortages are expected at launch, given the anticipation for the device coupled with an uncertainty as to how much to produce and production capacity limitations, early adopters in the US will be able to pre-order the iPad with wi-fi on 12 March. Outside of pre-orders and the expected lengthy lines, it is safe to assume supply will either be non-existent or very sparse. iPad pre-orders will make up the lion’s share of what is shipped and sold.

Europe and the rest of the world

Photo: Apple

Those in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, France, Canada and Switzerland can expect the device in late April and iPad shortages in those regions are not outside the realm of possibility. This date, which could admittedly be more specific, also represents the time when the iPad with wi-fi and 3G will release in the US, considering Apple has a staggered approach to its rollout. The advantage this has given to the other regions earmarked for iPad shipping is the iPad with 3G only as well as the iPad with 3G and wi-fi will ship at the same time.

Pricing and response

As indicated, the iPad comes in two varieties, one with just wi-fi and one with wifi and 3G. Picking up the wifi only is ill advised, considering it cripples the functionality and mobility advantages the device presents, yet for thrifty consumers, it does prove to be the cheapest option. US pricing has the iPad with wi-fi available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB priced at $499 (£330), $599 (£395) and $699 (£460) respectively.

A premium of $130 (£85) is added to each of the respective models for the added functionality of 3G. UK pricing has yet to be locked down. Whether Steve Jobs’ magnum opus is as well received as he punts it will be revealed in a little under a month and whether the iPad shortages and iPad sales match expectation will be seen then, too.