New iPad on Sale Friday: Where and When to Get One
March 14, 2012 — -- Apple has sold out of its original new iPad pre-order stock online, but this Friday, March 16, the new tablet will be available in stores. Below we've tried to answer the questions you may have about snatching up the new iPad.
First, tell me a bit more about this new iPad, will you?
The new iPad has a beautiful, high resolution Retina display, an improved iSight camera, a faster processor, quad-core graphics, and a 4G LTE option. You can check out our first impressions and video of the new iPad here.
Where can I buy the new iPad on Friday?
At an Apple Store or a number of retailers. In the U.S. the new iPad will also be available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart.
AT&T and Verizon will also have stock of the 3G / 4G models.
Of course, you can still buy it online through Apple's website and other online stores, but you might wait awhile for it to arrive. Apple is currently showing 2-3 weeks for shipping.
What time do stores open?
8:00 a.m. local time. Apple's retail stores in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the U.K. will open their doors at that time.
Verizon and AT&T stores may open early, but times will vary depending on location.
Will there be lines?
It is very likely, at least on Friday. Some people have already started lining up. AT&T and Verizon stores are likely to have shorter lines, but they also tend to have less stock. Apple Stores usually have enough stock to get through the weekend.
How much is the new iPad?
The Wi-Fi model prices are as follows:
16GB - $499. 32GB - $599. 64GB - $699.
The 3G / 4G model prices are as follows:
16GB - $629.99. 32GB - $729.99. 64GB - $829.99.
How much does it cost to get Verizon and AT&T data service?
Both Verizon and AT&T charge monthly for data on the iPad. The good news is that you don't have to sign a contract.
Verizon's prices are as follows: $20 for 1GB of data, $30 for 2GB, $50 for 5GB, $80 for 10GB.
Also, the new iPad for Verizon Wireless has a personal hotspot feature, so it can share 4G LTE with up to five other Wi-Fi enabled devices. This feature is included in all four of the above plans.
AT&T doesn't yet offer a personal hotspot feature, but its plans are priced at $14.99 for 250MB of data, $30 for 3GB of data, $50 for 5GB.
Wait, what about the iPad 2?
Apple will still offer the iPad 2 after Friday, but it will be $399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version -- $100 cheaper than the new iPad.
Which one should I get?
That's ultimately up to you. If you can, take a look at the new screen and decide what it's worth to you. We'll have more on the new iPad this weekend.
