Apple iPad prices & release dates revealed

Apple has refused to comment on the speculation surrounding its UK pricing strategy for the iPad. Historically, however, Apple products have cost more in the UK than the US, a price difference that Apple has blamed on the “cost of doing business” in Britain.

It is not yet known how much the iPads with both Wi-Fi and 3G will cost in the UK, but in the United States, they have been around $130 (£87) more expensive than their Wi-Fi-only counterparts.

The same websites also report that the iPad will now be available in early April, rather than late March, as was previously expected. Again, Apple has not commented on any rumoured delay to shipments.

Several UK mobile network operators, including O2 and Vodafone, are believed to be in talks with Apple about providing the 3G data access that will allow iPad users to surf the internet and download books, music, movies and apps on the move.

Apple has not confirmed whether the iPad will be available on a variety of networks, or whether it will use an exclusivity deal similar to that which gave O2 the sole rights to sell the iPhone until late last year.