The Apple iPad Tablet is finally here!
The much anticipated and much wanted Apple iPad Tablet is finally here! That's the good news. The bad news is, if you haven't pre-ordered one, chances are you'll have to wait for a while (at least not this long weekend).
Since January the jokes have been rolling and there are zillions out there, and they were funny (for a day or two). The max-iPad, etc. If you managed to get one today then you'll be the envy and the joke of everyone. Luckily for you, you're not 10 years old and you know the meaning of "Sticks and Stones." Don't worry though, while you're sipping your Starbucks coffee and surfing on your brand new iPad, you may hear snickers but deep down inside we all know they are envious and you should be stoked about your new toy.
For months now everyone has been waiting to get their geeky little hands on one but has Apple done their usual thing? Has Apple under estimated the demand? We have seen it with just about every product they have made so far. Sadly, while this could be a disastrous event for some companies, for Apple it only makes us want it more and we're willing to pay for it too! If you went to McDonald's and they said "Did you pre-order your Big Mac? No? Sorry, you'll have to wait until May.", well everyone would leave and McD's would probably go out of business soon after. Not this giant though.. there's a reason why Apple made over $15 billion.... yes $15,000,000,000 last year. These "out-of-the-box" thinkers have created some of the most amazing products out there that have changed the industry several times over. The iPod changed the mp3 player industry. The iPhone changed the mobile phone industry. The iPad will change the tablet PC industry? Probably.
So what are your options? If you haven't pre-ordered, you don't have many. You can run over to your local Apple Store and see if they have any left (doubt it, but go ahead and wait in that huge lineup just to get into the store), you can call ahead and see if they will save one for you and then head on over (sorry sir/ma'am, it's first come first serve), or you can check out eBay. There are a number of them on eBay already however you are going to pay a premium for one there. Last time I checked, there was a 64gb currently at $1000 bid ($301 over the asking price).
If you don't get one today, don't worry... Apple says they will be shipping out another huge batch of them shortly and you'll be able to grab one then. I would recommend ordering one so you don't miss out.
Keep in mind though, the $499 - $829 price tag isn't where the costs end. If you want any kind of internet connection then you'll have to get a No-Contract plan from AT&T. You can get a 250mb/month plan for $14.99 or an unlimited plan for $29.99. If you spend any time outside your home and aren't near free WI-Fi hotspots, I'm not sure 250mb/month is going to do it. I know for myself and my iPhone, I can easily push 1gb with all the YouTube, game apps and emails I get.
So if you're one of the lucky ones getting an iPad today, (I hate you) congratulations! Have a coffee while reading a book or surfing the web on your new toy and know that you are the envy of everyone there. Soak it up and enjoy it while it lasts... 6 months from now everyone and their 5 year old kids will have one and you will be stuck being an average Joe again.
Visit us for specs and information on the Apple iPad Tablet, and other eBook Handheld Readers.
