14 DAY TRIAL // Amid rumors of the first iPad 3 parts leaking on the web, Apple is finally getting a handle of iPad 2 shipping.
According to the listings at store.apple.com, both the black and the white iPad 2 (with their respective storage and connectivity configurations) now ship in 1-3 business days.
Previously, Apple could only promise customers a week’s worth of wait time. Before that, the tablet was even harder to come by.
Numerous factors have contributed to the prolonged shipping times, including the March earthquake striking Japan (which houses some of the primary component manufacturers for Apple’s products), an explosion at a Foxconn assembly plant thereafter, and perhaps more.
Lately, Apple seems to have gotten a grip of both manufacturing and shipping.
We’re enticed to believe it has something to do with Pegatron Technology - rumored to have landed a deal with Apple to take over some of the iPad 2 orders.
However, recent reports indicate that Foxconn - Apple’s primary partner for assembling iDevices - has actually persuaded the Mac maker to entrust it with all iPad orders, including the next-generation iPad 3.
While the iPad 3 is months away from its launch, it’s reassuring to see that Apple is coping with still-strong demand for its post-PC devices.
Those visiting the Apple online store today can order a 16GB iPad 2 with WiFi for $499, a 32GB model for $599, and a 64GB configuration for $699. The same configurations +3G go for $629, $729 and $829 respectively.
The iPad 2 WiFi+3G models connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi and over 3G cellular networks with AT&T or Verizon Wireless.
The 3G service is sold separately and customers must make sure they select the model that corresponds the carrier they'd like to use for 3G.
The iPad customers choose is configured to work only with one carrier.