Official: Apple's iPad On Sale April 3rd

By Kevin Parrish
published

The iPad officially hits the streets on April 3.

Friday Apple officially announced that the upcoming Wi-Fi version of the iPad tablet will be available in the U.S. on Saturday, April 3.

The company also added that the Wi-Fi+3G model will hit retail in the latter part of the month. Consumers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK will see both models launch in late April as well.

Apple stated that consumers can pre-order both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G models from its online store starting March 12. Those who reserve the device can pick up the Wi-Fi version at any Apple retail store on April 3.

"iPad is something completely new," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before."

The announcement also stressed the iPad as an ebook reader. According to Apple, the free iBooks app will be available to download at launch, allowing consumers to access Apple's iBookstore and purchase electronic material from publishers including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

Here's a brief rundown of iPad pricing as reported earlier:

iPad Wi-Fi Only

  • 16 GB - $499
  • 32 GB - $599
  • 64 GB - $699

iPad Wi-Fi + 3G

  • 16 GB - $629
  • 32 GB - $729
  • 64 GB - $829

Please note that the 3G service will be provided separately by AT&T, however the company will not require a contract. Stay tuned for 3G coverage pricing.

Kevin Parrish

Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then, he’s loved all things PC-related and cool gadgets ranging from the New Nintendo 3DS to Android tablets. He is currently a contributor at Digital Trends, writing about everything from computers to how-to content on Windows and Macs to reviews of the latest laptops from HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more. 

50 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Miharu
    "iPad is something completely new," said Steve Jobs
    It's just a big iPhone!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • Abrahm
    Idiots! GET YOUR MONEY!!! (in the "start your engines" voice).

    I hear lines are already forming in front of Apple stores. Go on every one, put on an ironic tee shirt, project your smug attitude, and go make camp!
    Reply
  • tipoo
    I'm buying stock in Tide and I suggest you all do the same; Pants will be shat whether this is great or terrible.
    Reply
  • dman3k
    Anyone who spends $500 on something so useless as this obviously has no brain.

    Seriously, NO USB = FAIL
    Reply
  • redplanet_returns
    may the fanboys...err...i mean fangirls rejoice!!
    Reply
  • tsnorquist
    I'm curious to know the structural integrity of these ipads. Something of that size is surely going to hit the floor a few times.
    Reply
  • gpace
    I'd personally buy a ASUS T91, or maybe a MID.

    For those of you who don't know, the ASUS T91 is a netbook with tablet's screen. So it does anything a netbook does and also what a tablet does. It is an inch thick, and has less runtime, but it does have more storage, a real keyboard, costs less (check the prices yourself). Too bad other companies doesn't spend more money making hype and convincing the public that they need another piece of technology controlling their lives.

    The Mobile Internet devices are also a good alternative. For example the Archos 5 (you can also get it with 3G). It's smaller, can surf the web, has Flash, and so on.
    Reply
  • Euphoria_MK
    I am getting two, one for my niece, and one for myself. It's a great ebook reader, so much more than Kindle for just $10 more.
    It's funny that all of you MS fan-boys had the same negative claims when the iPod came out and now each of you owns an iPod... Talking about being a hypocrite, ha? :)

    As Apple innovated MP3 players and Smart-phones, so they will do the same with the e-book and news readers/media tablets.

    The ironic part is that Microsoft followed with the Zune player like a lemming once Apple got the niche market.
    The same is happening with the iPhone,MS again is following like a brainless Lemming. I really hope Win 7 mobile is something that actually works well, but from what I've seen so far, they need to do some hard work on the GUI and they better offer some great choice of applications.

    Lets wait and see what will they come up with to compete with the iPad...


    Reply
  • chess
    no hdmi output = poop
    Reply
  • Euphoria_MK
    Why would you need a HDMI output? It's a freakin e-book reader.....
    Reply