iPad’s U.S. debut set for April 3
Friday, March 5, 2010 11:15The WiFi model of Apple’s highly anticipated iPad multimedia device will be released in the U.S. on April 3, with 3G-enabled devices available later in the month, Apple announced Friday.
All iPad models are set for availability in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and the U.K. in late April, the company said.
[ InfoWorld's Paul Venezia can tell you "What the Apple iPad really is." | For more on the iPad and other mobile wonders, see InfoWorld's Mobile Edge blog. Still haven't checked out the features? Flip through our iPad slideshow for details. ]
U.S. customers can pre-order either model beginning Mar. 12.
Wi-Fi models start at $499 for a 16GB version, topping out at $699 for a 64GB unit. 3G-compatible model pricing starts at $629 for a 16GB version.
Apple also plans to release the iBooks e-reader application in the U.S. on April 3.
When announced earlier this year, the iPad drew disappointment from some observers over its perceived high price tag and lack of key features, such as Flash support. But if Apple’s track record is any indication, the device should nonetheless pose a serious challenge to competing offerings from Amazon and others.
