3 UK reveals iPad plans

The iPad will be available from UK Apple Stores at the early hour of 8AM on Friday, Apple has announced. The timing is notable, as rumors suggested that the company would simply open shops at normal hours for the region's iPad launch. Should an Apple Store not be an option, The Times reports that Currys, Dixons Travel and PC World will all carry the tablet beginning at 9AM. Comet, Tesco, John Lewis and Carphone Warehouse will only launch sales two months later, kept out as a result of a deal between Apple and retailer DSGi.

Carrier 3 UK has meanwhile made a late announcement of iPad data plans. Unlike some other carriers supporting the device, 3 is not offering any daily or weekly options. Instead the company is selling two monthly rolling contracts: a £7.50 option provides 1GB of data, while paying £15 returns 10GB. The terms are some of the cheapest in the UK, since O2 and Vodafone charge £10 for 1GB, and Orange has priced 10GB at £25.

Closer to the US, it has been learned that Canadian iPads are now shipping for early pre-order customers. There the 3G model is only officially supported by Rogers, although it can technically be used with any carrier able to supply micro SIM cards.

by MacNN Staff