14 DAY TRIAL // The company behind the Mac operating system, the iPod and iTunes, as well as the revolutionary iPhone, has issued an official report announcing that its latest creation is to drop in US retail stores on Saturday, April 3rd. Besides all of Apple’s retail stores and most Best Buy outlets, the company will also be selling the iPad through select Apple Authorized Resellers, and campus bookstores.
“Apple’s magical new iPad will be available in all 221 US Apple retail stores and most Best Buy stores this Saturday, April 3, beginning at 9 a.m,” the latest announcement over at Apple’s PR section reads.
“Starting at just $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch user interface. iPad is just 0.5 inches thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds—thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook—and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life,” Apple claims, noting that battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors, therefore actual results will vary.
Steve Jobs, who was recently spotted chatting with Google’s Eric Schimdt, is quoted in the report as saying that, “iPad connects users with their apps and content in a far more intimate and fun way than ever before. We can’t wait for users to get their hands and fingers on it this weekend,” Apple’s CEO says. In typical manner, Apple retail stores will also be the place to get a free Personal Setup service, which includes customizing their new iPad, setting up an email account, loading apps, and more. In addition to this service, special iPad workshops will be hosted at all US Apple retail stores, in order to help customers learn more about the device.
Apple doesn’t forget to include the details regarding pricing and availability of its magical device, outlining that Wi-Fi-only iPads will initially be available in the US. Beginning at $499, the device comes in three available configurations – 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. The Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April starting at $629 for 16GB.