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drpellypo

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 19, 2007
542
28
Northumberland, UK
I've decided I'm going to wait and get the 3g model. I will get a discount as I work for a supplier, but not until after launch day, which is a shame (I don't know how much after yet.) There's quite a lot of people importing and it's a gamble, for sure, as you might have ended up paying a massive premium, and may have warranty issues. On the other hand, you may have got it cheaper than UK launch and might have no issues with warranty! Interested to see who's just going to wait and see how things pan out.
 
I'm waiting. A few extra weeks for a lifestyle gadget (albeit one I'm really looking forward to!) is no big deal.

I agree with the op, it's 50/50 as to what will end up having been the better option. I guess when we know prices, or when the first person has to return a US one, we'll know for sure.

But I think you had to have made the import jump before the delay was announced, as priced spiked thereafter.
 
I've decided to wait until launch, I'm disappointed by the delay sure, but it's not that serious that I have to buy it right now...
 
I'm going to wait to see what the 3G deals are like in the UK before deciding. Here's why...

A friend of mine imported his from the U.S (32GB Wifi) and I had a quick play with it yesterday in the pub. The device itself is really nice, not too heavy and the display was lovely. It is a fingerprint magnet tho! Also the glossy screen can cause a few issues with reflections but it's not a show stopper for me. I also found the keyboard quite easy to type on, even with my large-ish fingers lol

The one thing we did notice was how the device really needs to be connected to the internet to fulfil its potential. Sure you can play games or watch movies and read books offline, but I believe the best experience is when you're connected to the internet. The location we were at last night unfortunately did not have wifi so we were a bit stuck. (I'm sure there's more wifi hotspots readily available in the U.S compared to the UK) I ended up downloading the trial version of MyWi on my iPhone 3GS and set up a temporary wifi hotspot. This actually worked really well, tho it did drain the battery on my iPhone quite fast!

Surfing on the iPad is really cool, seeing more of a webpage on the screen at once makes such a big difference compared to the experience on the iPhone. My mate had also downloaded a few of his PDF e-books to the device and these were a real pleasure to read.

I'm hoping there will be some good deals by the UK operators for the 3G iPad, just having the convenience of always being connected without having to use or carry additional devices (e.g. mobile phone or MiFi devices) is such an advantage.
 
There's quite a lot of people importing and it's a gamble, for sure, as you might have ended up paying a massive premium, and may have warranty issues. On the other hand, you may have got it cheaper than UK launch and might have no issues with warranty! Interested to see who's just going to wait and see how things pan out.

You can import at will for the following reasons:

1. No warranty issues. Apple is a global distributor. That's like saying the MBP you by in Sweden will have warranty problems in Singapore. If it is in warranty, it will get fixed for free. Sounds like scared tactics based on incorrect info.

2. If it comes from the US, it will be cheaper regardless. Another incorrect statement on your part. Can you name a place where Apple products are cheaper than in the US?

The only place having problems is Israel and this is a technical issue related to the way their wifi works as opposes to the US. Other than this, the products are similar.
 
Well, you can ask your self if it's worth the extra money. European airports may stay closed for a week or maybe even two (with some luck it's much less, but it's possible).

Flights delayed and stuff (because if the air space opens, they can't just say "Come in everyone". They have to open them slowly). So I guess most Europeans will only get it in early may. Well, a few extra weeks and it costs extra money... so I'll wait.
 
i'm waiting till the launch. besides i heard apple said they won't cover american ipads shipped before the EU launch in the EU. I think it was on macbytes that, can't find it atm.
 
This is a new gadget that no one had before so why do they need it before it is available where they live? Is having an iPad now rather than a month from now going to change your life or not having it now be detrimental to you in some way? I live in the US and am waiting for the 3G models to come out. But I will not buy one the first day, when I get a chance within a few weeks after it comes out I will walk into a store and buy one. Typically I would purchase via the online store but due to all of the WiFi issues I am weary of having a greater inconvenience by ordering online if there is a problem.

It may be hard for some to believe but their are more important things than having an iPad.
 
Disappointed by delay but waiting for official launch. Not 100% decided on model yet, but it's probably going to be 64GB Wifi model.
 
This is a new gadget that no one had before so why do they need it before it is available where they live? Is having an iPad now rather than a month from now going to change your life or not having it now be detrimental to you in some way? I live in the US and am waiting for the 3G models to come out. But I will not buy one the first day, when I get a chance within a few weeks after it comes out I will walk into a store and buy one. Typically I would purchase via the online store but due to all of the WiFi issues I am weary of having a greater inconvenience by ordering online if there is a problem.

It may be hard for some to believe but their are more important things than having an iPad.
We like a product. We want it sooner than later. How surprising.

If you have the money (it's not even that expensive at all) to get it and save six weeks of waiting, why not?

Really, the iPad sold hundreds of thousands on the weekend it released. Some people just like getting the product as early as possible. Hundreds of thousands of people (in one country) aren't crazy because you personally lack the excitement or drive to get a product early.
 
We like a product. We want it sooner than later. How surprising.

If you have the money (it's not even that expensive at all) to get it and save six weeks of waiting, why not?

Really, the iPad sold hundreds of thousands on the weekend it released. Some people just like getting the product as early as possible. Hundreds of thousands of people (in one country) aren't crazy because you personally lack the excitement or drive to get a product early.

Or possibly because the warranty situation is unclear, I've been informed by both Apple UK and USA that the warranty isn't international.
 
I'd import if I knew for sure the 3g version is universal and that it will be easy to get a microsim card and contract in Europe without having to buy a new ipad.
 
Or possibly because the warranty situation is unclear, I've been informed by both Apple UK and USA that the warranty isn't international.

So are you saying that this would be the first Apple product in history without a global warranty? Are you saying that Apple Care would not work globally? Provide a link please because this does not sound believable.
 
So are you saying that this would be the first Apple product in history without a global warranty? Are you saying that Apple Care would not work globally? Provide a link please because this does not sound believable.

Actually, the iPhone doesn't have international warranty. The source was from team leader Cindy in the UK, and a guy in the US who I didn't really trust, see the EU thread.
 
I'd import if I knew for sure the 3g version is universal and that it will be easy to get a microsim card and contract in Europe without having to buy a new ipad.

It's not that hard to figure out. Google is your best friend.

http://www.microsimadapter.com/Site/Welcome.html

It took me less than 30 seconds for get this info, and a quick call to Apple US would answer your questions, but I will be glad to do it for you. The radios in the US version will work in Europe. Go look at the spec site and look up the specs. Really this stuff is not that hard.
 
Actually, the iPhone doesn't have international warranty. The source was from team leader Cindy in the UK, and a guy in the US who I didn't really trust, see the EU thread.

Very strand because I am in Finland with a legally unlocked iPhone eligible for Apple Care purchased in the US. I had a small problem with my iPhone that I purchased here. I had a "genius" look at it for free because it was under warranty.

I will call Apple US and ask them about what you mentioned and report back. Stay tuned.
 
This is a new gadget that no one had before so why do they need it before it is available where they live? Is having an iPad now rather than a month from now going to change your life or not having it now be detrimental to you in some way? I live in the US and am waiting for the 3G models to come out. But I will not buy one the first day, when I get a chance within a few weeks after it comes out I will walk into a store and buy one. Typically I would purchase via the online store but due to all of the WiFi issues I am weary of having a greater inconvenience by ordering online if there is a problem.

It may be hard for some to believe but their are more important things than having an iPad.

Well technically for me, yes, because I put my MBP on eBay and it sells tomorrow, so I will be without a mobile computer for over a month. But that's not the end of the world. Just a pain.
 
Warranty update

Just spoke to Alice at Apple US (+18006762775) and she said the following:

1. Apple has a global warranty on ALL products. Period.
2. You get 1 year product warranty support.
3. You can purchase Apple Care and get additional support.
4. Whomever made the claim about regional warranty limitations does not know what they are talking about. Go to the Apple website and read it in person.

This should clear it up. You can by an iPad in the US and use it in Spain, or Finland (where I currently am), or the UK and not have ANY warranty worries.
 
I'm boycotting apple now. I'm buying a macbook , instead on an ipad, on Monday whos laughing now apple?????
 
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