iPad going into wide release at Verizon and AT&T stores - Oct 28
Apple is casting its iPad net even father into the mainstream in an effort to fend off impending tablet PC competition from the likes of Google and Microsoft. Following the iPad's soft sell into consumer retail (via Walmart, Sam's Club and Target) today's news indicates that Apple's next big iPad push is into business retail.
Separate press releases out today from Verizon Wireless and AT&T (via Apple) indicate that the U.S. carrier behemoths will begin selling the iPad in their respective retail stores beginning two weeks from today -- October 28, 2010.
“This is the perfect pairing for holiday travels,” said John Stratton, chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless. “iPad together with the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G data network allows customers to easily connect on the go wherever they are.”
“We can’t wait to showcase the amazing features of iPad Wi-Fi + 3G in our stores across the country just in time for the holidays,” said Glenn Lurie, AT&T President of Emerging Devices, Resale and Partnerships, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With our breakthrough iPad data plans starting at just $14.99 and access to AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots around the country at no extra cost, our customers will have the best of both worlds.”
Here's the twist: since Verizon Wireless won't be selling iPads with 3G data plans (from its mega-competitor AT&T) it will instead offer the three iPad WiFi configurations (16/32/64GB), plus the option of a WiFi model bundled with a Verizon MiFi 2200.
Verizon Wireless will offer three bundles, all featuring an iPad Wi-Fi model and a Verizon MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot, for a suggested retail price of $629.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 16GB + MiFi, $729.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 32GB + MiFi and $829.99 for iPad Wi-Fi 64GB + MiFi. Verizon Wireless is offering a monthly access plan to iPad customers of up to 1GB of data for just $20 a month. In addition, Verizon Wireless will also offer all three iPad Wi-Fi models on a stand-alone basis.
If anything this indicates that Verizon and Apple are working together and that it's even more likely that we'll see a Verizon iPhone in the not-too-distant future. Does this mean that we'll also see a CDMA version of the iPad that will work on Verizon? All signs point to yes.
Photo: AllNewsMac