Yesterday the ‘Net was abuzz with reports that Apple would ship its 3G enabled iPad on May 7. Wrong. Today Apple announced that the Wi-Fi + 3G models of the device will be delivered to US customers who’ve pre-ordered on Friday, April 30, and will be available in Apple retail stores the same day starting at 5 p.m.
Apple retail stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, and more. US Apple retail stores are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product.
The iPad is available in Wi-Fi models in the US for a suggested retail price of US$499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB and $699 for 64GB models. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available on April 30 in the US for $629 for 16GB, $729 for 32GB and $829 for 64GB versions.
The iPad is sold in the US through the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, most Best Buy stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers and campus bookstores. AT&T is offering 3G pre-paid data plans for iPad with on-device activation and management.
The iPad will be available at the end of May in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Apple will announce international pricing and begin taking online pre-orders for the iPad on May 10.