Only select iPad apps will be available on first international editions

While we know that the iPad will have a global launch but there aren't details about international pricing yet, it looks like some of the standard iPad apps won't even pop up in other countries when they first arrive either.

One of the chief functions of the iPad will be that it can also serve as an e-book reader, a.k.a. iBooks. Well, looks like everyone won't be reading their favorite novel on that shiny touchscreen.

Engadget has found that it won't be available in Australia, as there's even a tiny footnote at the bottom of the Apple Australia iPad page: "1. iBooks available in the U.S. only."

It's quite strange considering the Apple Bookstore is mentioned in the Australian press release about the iPad. Does that mean it will only be available in the U.S. to start with, nowhere else until a later date? I can't imagine that will be forever, since the iBook app is one of the iPad's best selling points as the "best way to experience the Internet" and do all sorts of crazy things that a netbook can't.

Now we have to ask, what other countries will be missing out on this app (or other apps) first?

[Image via Engadget]