14 DAY TRIAL // Shipping times for the iPad 2 have improved from 4-5 weeks to 3-4 weeks over at the U.S Apple store where the Mac maker has updated its listings for estimated delivery of the second-generation tablet computer for whoever places an order today.
Strained due to overwhelming demand and likely the devastating earthquake in Japan where key iPad 2 components are made, supply of the post-PC device is likely on the rise, with Apple updating its shipping estimates on store.apple.com.
Previously set at 4-5 weeks, orders placed now will materialize in an iPad 2 unit arriving at your door in about three to four weeks.
iPad 2 has launched today in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.
Additional territories, including Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore are to receive pallets containing the tablet devices come April.
In the U.S., the iPad 2 starts at $499 for the 16GB model with WiFi. The device can be bought with higher specs at a higher price.
For example, the 32GB model, also with WiFi, adds $100 to the bill. The 64GB variant retails for $699.
3G capable models, which also do WiFi, start at $629 for the 16GB model, cost $729 for the 32GB model, and go all the way up to $829 for the 64GB version.
“While competitors are still struggling to catch up with our first iPad, we’ve changed the game again with iPad 2,” Apple CEO, Steve Jobs said this week.
The Apple chief added, “We’re experiencing amazing demand for iPad 2 in the US, and customers around the world have told us they can't wait to get their hands on it. We appreciate everyone’s patience and we are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone.”