iPad UK roundup and release date
By James • May 10th, 2010 • Category: Industry News, Mobile Computer News
- Photo: Apple
The iPad UK release is upon us, with a date of 28 May set, as well as the various networks and where to buy.
Release schedule
In addition to the iPad UK release on the 28th, Australia, France, Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Japan get the Apple tablet on the same day. On day one, both the iPad Wi-fi and the iPad Wi-fi + 3G will be available.
UK pricing
The cheapest iPad is £429, with the most expensive version available for £699. For the Wi-fi iPad only, pricing is £429, £499, and £599 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB version respectively.
The iPad Wi-fi + 3G costs £529, £599 and £699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions respectively.
- Photo: Apple
A major question mark is whether Apple is taking advantage of the UK market by charging a premium. The equivalent iPad Wi-fi 16GB costs £330 in the US, a full £100 less than what is paid in the UK. The most expensive iPad costs the equivalent of £540 in the US, whereas in the UK we’re paying £699, £160 more.
Admittedly, these back of the napkin calculations don’t factor in the state-to-state taxes in the US, but UK customers, as has been customary in the UK, are paying a little more for an Apple product.
UK Carriers
The Apple tablet ships unlocked so any carrier can create the micro-sim required to support 3G data on the iPad. Orange unveiled its pay-as-you-go PAYG pricing where data access costs 5p per mb, up to £40 monthly. Additionally, Orange have four data bundles so as to save money.
Where to buy
The iPad UK sales will take place in Apple retail stores, the Apple online store, and authorized resellers, too. Some retailers are already selling the iPad, unofficially.
Tags for this article: Apple iPad, Apple tablet, tablet pc
