The Apple iPad in Singapore? When and Where?

So yeah, the world finally has their God Tablet – the Apple iPad.

Most of the general predictions about a March shipping date are not exactly wrong, for the WIFI-only versions will ship in March, while the WIFI+3G versions, will sadly only be available from April.

Steve Jobs, during the keynote mentioned that their mobile data deals with international carriers will only be done in the June-July timeframe, which made many hearts skipped a beat when people outside the States thought they will only have their iPad earliest 6 months later.

Thankfully, that is definitely not the case.

While many have claimed that the 3G version of the iPad will be “locked” in a different sense due to the limited numbers of carriers who offer Micro SIMs (zilch in Singapore, in fact), but as a simple google search will show, the Micro SIM isn’t that different from a normal 3G GSM SIM. Desperados will easily be able to cut their full size 3G SIM to fit into a Micro SIM slot and have the SIM card work. Besides, I am almost very sure that the telcos will be ready with Micro SIMs and iPad data plans when the iPads are actually here. (Edit: Singtel PR has “no comments” about the future availability of Micro SIMs and iPad data plans)

Which brings us to another question – who will be selling the iPads? Will it be the Mac resellers, or the telcos?

Face it. We all hate the telcos. If the telcos could, they would squeeze us dry of every dollar and cent, for using very very very very little resources. Telcos are built this way. Singtel demostrated that with their iPhone sales, and only relented on their nonsensical pricing when M1 and Starhub came into the picture.

So when the good news that AT&T won’t be selling the 3G versions of the iPad with contracts, it is almost pretty clear that the same policy will applied to most of the developed world (can’t say the same for stupid Japan, which has a draconian policy for their mobile network management). My guess is that the telcos will be willing to sell you an iPad subsidized if you sign a mobile data contract with them, much like their infrequent MacBook deals where you get a free MacBook for every 3 year contract you sign with Singtel Broadband.

The Mac resellers, however, should still be the ones ultimately selling the iPads. This will also ensure a standard pricing of the device, unlike in the case of the iPhones where the telcos can price the iPhones to their liking.

However, It would not surprise me if the 3G versions are only available at Apple Premium Resellers though, something that will piss the hell out of my friend who works at probably the best non-APR Mac reseller shop in Singapore. After all, just look at the Apple resellers where you can find the iPhones. MI(Multimedia Integrated), Epicenter, etc. Need I say more?


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soulsoup
soulsoup
14 years ago

More than mobile data deals – I am interested in iBooks, hopefully that'll not have the same fate as iTunes store!

ryuworks
ryuworks
14 years ago
Reply to  soulsoup

Yup I hope so too. But those are usually due to the publishing rights issue of the publishers, so we will never know until the time comes. Anyways, it's not hard to buy from the US Store.

Apple_iPad_Tablet
14 years ago

I'm so love this blog, already bookmarked it! Thanks.

STUPID
STUPID
14 years ago

WOW COOL

ryanbrown55
ryanbrown55
14 years ago

where can i buy an ipad in singapore? please quick reply thank you

ipad Singapore
14 years ago

If you can't wait for months, you can get the ipad from amazon but you need to ship via vpost to Singapore.

iPad fan
iPad fan
14 years ago

I must say using the iPad has really changed the way I consume information. Never watched so much YouTube before ; its more fun with the larger screen size. The games are not bad but takes getting use to compare to the iPhone.Size factor and weight factor. I am using the purple colour case from sumajin. With lots of grip.

Viettel 3G
14 years ago

thanks 4share

iPadFever
14 years ago

Wow you can even watch world cup on the iPad! Get one today.. You won't regret it!

http://ipadfever.blogspot.com/
Available in Singapore..

KWo
KWo
14 years ago
Reply to  ryanbrown55

Hi Ryanbrown55, I have one brand new iPad 64GB Wifi model which I bought from US. Sealed and will provide original receipt for verification upon request.

Jo
Jo
14 years ago
Reply to  KWo

How much are you intending to sell it?

Farieh
Farieh
14 years ago

Hi, I am from Malaysia. I saw hat the Ipad 64gb is cheaper in Singapore than it is here in my country. If I were to purchase one in Singapore, can I use it in Malaysia without any modification?

iPad Case
13 years ago

Now you can find lots of stores selling iPad worldwide.

debiz
debiz
13 years ago

Get your free IPad, Iphone, Macbook Pro !

Go here —-> http://bit.ly/h1Sc8H


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MacRyu is the Mac Blog by Singaporeans and for Singaporeans. It was started in April 2007 as a side project of the then President of the Official Mac User Group of NUS, Ryu, and grew to become possibly one of the most popular Apple-related sites based in Singapore. MacRyu hopes to provide you with more Mac-related info, thoughts and stuff, from the Singaporean perspective.

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