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In addition, the $39 iPad soft case, which was originally scheduled to ship on April 3 when preorders began last Friday, has been delayed until mid-April. The $69 keyboard dock was originally scheduled to ship in mid-April, and the $29 USB power adapter in late April.
Estimated shipping dates for the iPad dock ($29) and dock connector to VGA adapter ($29) remain unchanged and on schedule for the April 3 launch. In addition, the Apple in-ear headphones with remote and microphone still ship within 24 hours for $79.
Last Friday, Apple began accepting preorders for the iPad, set to launch on April 3. However, the company limited purchases two two per customer, for both regular consumers and businesses.
Apple sales representatives confirmed last week that initial orders for both businesses and consumers are limited to two per person. In addition, AppleInsider received word that the number of iPads shipped to each retail store location will be based solely on the number reserved for pickup at that store. In other words, fewer in-store reservations will mean a lighter stock of hardware.
While the Wi-Fi-only iPad is set to launch in the U.S. on April 3, the 3G-capable model, which carries a $130 premium, will go on sale later that month. In addition, international orders for both the Wi-Fi and 3G models will be filled in late April.
Malcolm Owen
Andrew O'Hara
William Gallagher
54 Comments
This really blows. I wonder what the holdup is? I hope this does not turn into tethering for the IPhone.
I doubt it. It's probably just a manufacturing issue... I bet they're expecting a large amount of orders for these accessories So they're stockpiling them until they can build up enough stock to sell them in volume.
Ok, this is an article waiting for a misunderstanding. The orders are NOT delayed. Rather, Apple ships the products once they're made. This means that people have currently bought all stock to be produced in April (in the case of the keyboard and power adapter) and Apple will ship ones purchased now when they are available, meaning after they are produced. There is no delay, just limited quantities. It's called first come, first served. You buy late, you receive late.
Doesn't a 10W power adapter ship in the box with the iPad? That's what it says on the Apple Store page. But then what appears to be the same adapter is listed under accessories. So, that is confusing.
Also, isn't this the same power adapter that works for the iPhone? Or not?
Ah yes, the must have new product fever I had for the iPad has now dissipated with all these product delays.
I realize I'm a "Pro User" and have more mature computing needs and thus need a real computer, not a device dependent upon one. I also can get e-books on my MBP which has a nice non-reflective screen and stands all by itself, no extra leg help needed.
However if I know if any of my friends who have young children where the iPad would be of assistance I certainly will point them into that direction. Eventually those children will need to learn a real windows based GUI to function in society and get a job, so the sooner they transfer to a MacBook the better. But until then, a little extra structure doesn't hurt.
A Mac Tablet the iPad is not, although Apple tries to cleverly market it like that.