iPad or not.

[Bazz]

I still have an old Linksys WTR54GS travel router (I don't think they make them any more, sadly), which is one of the wises investments I made... ...Worth grabbing one if you see anyone who still has stock, or on eBay, etc.

Quite agree Pete, bought one myself shortly after you did based on your experiences and it has been a real asset. Don't leave home without it!

[Nottingham Nick]

UK release date set for 28th May.

Link to BBC website.

It is very expensive in the UK.

Nick

[mitchja]

Orange have also announced 3G data plans for the iPad today too here

O2 apparently going to announce data plans 'soon' as well. I guess Vodafone also won't be far behind either.

I'm using my WiFi iPad with a Three PAYG MiFi mobile broadband router which cost me £49.99 and offers data plans from £10 for 1Gb of data lasting 30 days.

The only thing that doesn't work when using Three mobile broadband is the location service as it can't find your location ( it does work when using my home WIFi as the location and orientation is spot on). The WIFi iPad doesn't have proper GPS on it whereas the 3G version does.

After a week working in SanFran I can't say how impressed I am with the iPad as an on-the-move device for staying connected to work and a Web device for all of those features, and fantastic apps like the iPad version of urbanspoon.

Much much better than an iPhone. Not as heavy as a laptop but pretty much delivers all you need from one when on the move, and super fast and easy to use too!

I reckon I saved around £100 on mine then, as usual the Brits get screwed again on pricing. This is why we buy as little as possible in this country.

If you do want to buy in the UK you might get a better deal buying one at Dixon's Tax Free when leaving the country.

Miopyk

[RichardMannion]

James, how well does the MiFi work? I've been looking at replacing my T-Mobile 3G USB modem with one (or possibly the T-Mobile equivalent as I like their fair-usage rules).

Does the battery last long?

[mitchja]

Richard

It works really well, it allows upto 5 devices to be connected at the same time. Easy to use with only 3 buttons on it (power, WiFi on and connect). You only get a few hours usage out of a full charge though, but you can re-charge it using the supplied power adapter or USB cable.

[Scrooge]

Ok my little Apple heads, explain this one to me please

Apple will not take cash for an IPad, you must pay by credit or debit card.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=744 ... e&section=

[buns]

Scrooge

witnessed the self same thing this morning in an Apple Store where their own Gift vouchers were declined

BTW for anyone travelling to the US thinking of getting one prior to the UK launch - forget it! Rare as hen's teeth

buns

BTW for anyone travelling to the US thinking of getting one prior to the UK launch - forget it! Rare as hen's teeth

buns

You are right about that ... I was in the Apple store in SanFran last week and my colleague got the very last 64GB WiFi, the 3G were gone. I hope they are keeping some for the UK!

BTW still loving mine ... e.g. from 'on' to email down load, 10secs. Compare that to starting up Windows!

[mitchja]

You will also need photo ID on you as well to buy an iPad as I got asked for this when I got mine in BOS.

Keep trying though if they have none in stock as the Apple store staff told me they are getting stock on a daily basis.

[Scrooge]

All very strange, still it is their product in their store so they get to make the rules I guess.

You will also need photo ID on you as well to buy an iPad as I got asked for this when I got mine in BOS.

Many places in the US require a photo ID with a credit card ... however this was not required in SanFran.

[Pete]

The reason they're not taking cash is because there is a limit on the number one person can purchase, and I understand they are enforcing this by checking your card details against any previous purchases. Good on Apple for restricting the scalpers trying to make a fast buck; they're no better than ticket touts.

[Scrooge]

While I have to agree that stopping scalpers is a good thing, limiting a person to only buying one is not.

You have a family, with say 2 kids, you have to decide which one you love more ?

[Pete]

I don't know what the limit is. It may be more than one. But it's certainly fair to restrict the number one person can buy if there is so much demand.

[mitchja]

The limit for both online and the retail shops is currently 2 per customer.

Apple have today now also changed their sales policy for iPads. You can now pay using cash as long as you set up an Apple account in store at the same time.

I don't know what the limit is. It may be more than one. But it's certainly fair to restrict the number one person can buy if there is so much demand.

Rationing is such an old style socialist approach though. Surely this shows that the iPad has been underpriced...or it's a good way for Apple to keep the buzz going.

[mitchja]

For anyone who already has an iPad, from today you can now access the UK version of App store using your iPad.

For anyone who already has an iPad, from today you can now access the UK version of App store using your iPad.

Just saw that, logging in now .

[mitchja]

Apparently PC World and Currys are also to sell iPad's in UK from the launch day on Friday as well as Apple.

[mitchja]

Three have also announced today that they are to offer iPad data plans (much better deal than the other networks. £15 for 10Gb a month!!). Details here

OK so Three customer service is lousy at best but the deal clincher for me is their 3G coverage and 3G speeds as Three blow the other networks away for this.

I'm easily getting 4Mb download speeds here using my Three E5830 MiFi dongle. Non of the other networks come close to this where I live and work. On a mobile broadband 30 day SIM-only 5Gb for £15 deal here at the moment.

[Neil]

Just having my first play with one in LA and i WANT one but do I NEED one, hmmmm decisions especially as they have them in stock.

[Pete]

They have them in stock in LA? Hmmm... will be there tomorrow, so might just have to take a detour....

I am in a meeting in Phoenix, and half the attendees have them here. It appears to be more acceptable to have one out and getting email, than having a laptop open.

I suspect no screen barrier and no tap tap of the keys.

I think most companies here had them, apart from the Microsoft team....

Are you flying out of LAX today ? I am on VS8 this afternoon.