UPDATE: Apple iPad International Launch Delayed, Major Networks Announce Dedicated iPad Price Plans For UK
UPDATE: Naturally, Orange has chimed in on Twitter with the same party line, “dedicated iPad price plans for all models frrom the end of May 2010″.
Apple has decided to delay the international release of the ‘magical’ iPad tablet computer by a month, citing surprisingly strong demand for the device.
Launched on April 3rd in the US, the iPad reportedly sold in excess of 500,000 units, and as such has postponed the pre-order proces for the rest of the world until the 10th of May.
“Demand is far higher than we predicted and will likely continue to exceed our supply over the next several weeks,” said Apple.
Pricing and an actual release date for the UK has yet to be revealed, with US models starting from $499 for a 32GB model with wi-fi support, but no 3G connectivity.
Major UK networks O2 and Vodafone have both pledged to launch dedicated iPad price plans ‘for all models’ from the end of May, whether the tablet will be available at subsidised cost on a range of pay monthly price plans – in a similar way to mobile phones and more recently netbooks – or a SIM-only affair remains to be seen.
The iPad takes a special micro-SIM, meaning that a different, smaller card from that found in mobile phones is required to enable 3G access on the iPad.
Details regarding cost when we get them!
[...] with less luck and a little more patience can wait to see what the networks are shilling now they’ve all announced iPad-specific tariffs ready for the the tablet’s UK arrival. With Orange, O2 and Vodafone all on board, it’ll [...]