Just as the iPad hype is starting to wind down, Apple is preparing to release the much-anticipated iPad 3G. On Tuesday, Apple said the 3G models of its iPad will be delivered on April 30 to U.S. customers who pre-ordered. The device will be available in Apple retail stores the same day, starting at 5 p.m.
Apple likes to point out that the iPad is thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook. Apple said the iPad also offers up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos, or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web using a 3G data network.
“I think more and more consumers will begin to gravitate toward the 3G model because it’s a pay-as-you-go business,” said Michael Gartenberg, a partner at Altimeter Group. “With the 3G model, consumers are not locked into a contract and get an awful lot of flexibility as a result of not having to constantly be on the hunt for a Wi-Fi network.”
The Early Adopter Impact
The iPad 3G is half an inch thick and weighs 1.6 pounds. The iPad lets users browse the web, read and send e-mail, view and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read e-books, and other tasks with a multi-touch user interface.
Consumers who need a little help setting up the device — including customizing it by setting up e-mail and loading apps from the App Store — can get free “Personal Setup” service when they purchase the iPad at Apple retail stores. Apple retail stores are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about the new product.
How will the 3G model impact sales? “Certainly, the early adopters who couldn’t wait bought those first devices. I suspect some of those folks…