Tesco UK Starts Carrying Apple’s iPad

On the Tesco Direct official web site, the giant retailer confirms that Apple’s iPad is now available throughout its stores, albeit only in the UK for now, according to reports. The device is priced no higher than Apple’s suggested retail figure, and is available in all six available configurations.

According to a report by TUAW, the global grocer and merchandising retailer began selling Apple’s tablet computer on November 29 (Monday), listing availability for all six models: WiFi 16GB, WiFi 32GB, WiFi 64GB and WiFi+3G, again, with the three respective storage options.

The Apple-centric blog mentions that, despite Tesco’s reputation of pricing products quite high, it carries the iPad for the same price Apple does.

On the Tesco Direct web site, the retailer promotes Apple’s slate-shaped device using the maker’s advertising materials (screenshot above):

“Imagine being able to page through websites, write an email, flick through photos, watch a film or discover thousands of apps. All on a beautiful, 9.7-inch Multi-Touch screen. With just the touch of a finger.”

A list of features then follows:

Safari
View whole web pages in landscape or portrait on the large Multi-Touch screen. And let your fingers do the surfing.

Mail
With a split-screen view and large onscreen keyboard, iPad lets you see and touch your email like you never have before.

Photos
iPad makes viewing and sharing photos extraordinary. Open albums with a tap, flip through pictures or play a slideshow.

Video
The high-resolution, 9.7-inch LED-backlit IPS display is perfect for watching HD videos, podcasts and more.

App Store
Tap into the App Store to discover thousands of amazing apps made just for iPad, in every possible category.

iBooks
Reading is a joy with the free iBooks app from the App Store. Text looks crisp and bright. Pages turn with a flick. And you can buy books from the iBookstore.

Notably, this is not the list of key features one would expect to see used as advertising material, following the release of iOS 4.2, which delivers AirPlay and AirPrint, Game Center, Multitasking, Application Folders, and other key additions.

As far as pricing goes, here’s the breakdown for each iPad model:

iPad with Wi-Fi: 16GB - £429; 32GB - £499; 64GB - £599
iPad with Wi-Fi + 3G: 16GB - £529; 32GB - £599; 64GB - £699