iPad EU News (Abandon all hope, ye who enter here..) ("Are you nuts?!" - Steve)

[cyberheater]

Let's do some comparisons of US vs UK pricing (I've added the equivalent of UK tax to the US price to keep it fairer).

US macbook pro = £916
UK macbook pro = £999
Delta £83

US Mac mini = £457
UK Mac mini = £510
Delta £53

US iTouch = £152
Uk iTouch = £152
Delta £0 (Wow. The same price)

If Apple are being fair. The US price for the 32GB iPad model is the same price as the base level Mac Mini so the UK price for that should be around £510. I seriously doubt that it would be that low.

 

[CD3660]

No you don't you can use vouchers as well.

Sorry, my previous post should have quoted Reser, as here.

Even if you want to use vouchers in the US iTunes Store you still need to set up a US iTunes account.

EDIT: I see that you corrected it whilst I was posting.

 

[Boblister]

I just downloaded an app for the iPad after following that link. I hadn't realised it would have been in the EU iTunes store as well. I don't have my iPad yet, so just grabbing a few on offer before I get mine.

Strange thing. I synced my iPhone and the app installed into the iPhone. I thought if an app was meant for the iPad it would only load onto an iPad and be rejected by the iPhone. As well as installing on the iPhone it works on it quite well!

 

[CD3660]

Anyone else that's got an iPad thinking that the iPad App Store on the iPad is a bit cack?

Totally. It's a bit annoying actually.

The US one is properly laid out and apps are much easier to find.

I'm sure things will change with the UK launch.

 

[Gibson88]

Let's do some comparisons of US vs UK pricing (I've added the equivalent of UK tax to the US price to keep it fairer).

US macbook pro = £916
UK macbook pro = £999
Delta £83

US Mac mini = £457
UK Mac mini = £510
Delta £53

US iTouch = £152
Uk iTouch = £152
Delta £0 (Wow. The same price)

If Apple are being fair. The US price for the 32GB iPad model is the same price as the base level Mac Mini so the UK price for that should be around £510. I seriously doubt that it would be that low.

Steve said you convert dollars to pounds then add 7% for the fact that it's more expensive to sell stuff in the UK than the US.

Now if you do that but add 10% (just to make up for how weak everything is over here atm) that would still make the 3G 64GB iPad only £590 which I think is pretty good.

 

[cyberheater]

Steve said you convert dollars to pounds then add 7% for the fact that it's more expensive to sell stuff in the UK than the US.

Now if you do that but add 10% (just to make up for how weak everything is over here atm) that would still make the 3G 64GB iPad only £590 which I think is pretty good.

Sounds good but I've had a look at all the itouch prices (16gb, 32Gb and 64gb) and they are almost exactly the same price in the UK as they are in the US if you add UK vat on top. So it's possible to get 1:1 parity with the US in terms of pricing.

 

[CD3660]

I just downloaded an app for the iPad after following that link. I hadn't realised it would have been in the EU iTunes store as well. I don't have my iPad yet, so just grabbing a few on offer before I get mine.

Strange thing. I synced my iPhone and the app installed into the iPhone. I thought if an app was meant for the iPad it would only load onto an iPad and be rejected by the iPhone. As well as installing on the iPhone it works on it quite well!

There are some apps that work (properly as opposed to just at limited screen size) on the iPad as well as the iPhone.

Examples are Delivery Status Touch, Flight Track and Google (Mobile?) to name just three that I'm aware of. Also it's a nice bonus not to have to pay more for the ones that cost money.

 

[Reser]

Steve said you convert dollars to pounds then add 7% for the fact that it's more expensive to sell stuff in the UK than the US.

Now if you do that but add 10% (just to make up for how weak everything is over here atm) that would still make the 3G 64GB iPad only £590 which I think is pretty good.

Is that after also adding the 17.5% VAT? I am pretty sure he means add 7% 'after' VAT costs.

Edit// Nope you did not add VAT at all. do you really think Apple would take a loss of 10.5% in the uk ? Apple is not exempt from VAT.

US Price + VAT + 7% = £677 for 3G 64GB

Using same calculation it comes out as £407 for 16GB Wifi. So confirms what people are saying between £399-£449.

 

[MikeWilson]

It's now a race to see who's clears customs first

Cyber, you then me.

You and Cyber should get yours this week. I hope to get mine this week but it looks like Customs wants to give mine a further grilling as it's not getting released - it's gone to 'Store' (awaiting information).

 

[afd]

Tried that. Set up US PAYPAL account, sent some money from UK account, set up US iTunes account, tried to tie account to US paypal account and got stopped because the account wasn't linked to a US bank account or credit card. Any suggestions?

To add insult to injury, have just tried to send the money back to myself - it said I need a US creditcard to do that!

 

[Reser]

To add insult to injury, have just tried to send the money back to myself - it said I need a US creditcard to do that!

Why did you even try using a US Paypal account. Just go to ebay and buy a US Itunes voucher. Sorted.

Also why did you add money before you even knew if it worked lol?

If you want the money back just send an invoice to that email and pay it with the USA paypal account.

You could also get a US virtual card from usunlocked.com, takes a few days and cost $10 however. Also takes 5-7 days to topup. Vouchers must better idea.

Do you even need a voucher to make a USA account? I just made a new uk account , clicked no payment menthod, left voucher code blank and it worked. Need to try USA account.

//Edit

Seems USA are a lot more strict. You need at very least a Paypal account associated, but you do not need money in it or to use it to pay for it. You can just use vouchers.

 

[MacRy]

Cyber, you then me.

You and Cyber should get yours this week. I hope to get mine this week but it looks like Customs wants to give mine a further grilling as it's not getting released - it's gone to 'Store' (awaiting information).

I think you could be right. Mine has updated again:

25-04-2010 21:13 National Hub Sorted in hub

But I guess I'll have to be contacted to pay the charges before it's released. I plan on calling Parcelforce first thing Monday morning.

 

[afd]

Reser-

I tried using a Paypal account because someone said it worked a few pages back. I didn't use ebay, because the vouchers are sold at a premium and doing it through paypal wouldn't. (I know there would be charged for money transfers) Also I have an existing US iTunes account that has been suspended due to buying vouchers from a dodgy source, would like to avoid that.

I only transfered a small amount in case it didn't work. (although I'd still like it back...)

I'll try sending an invoice, but why would it allow me send the money just because I send an invoice? I have already tried sending money which is in the account.

edit - invoice didn't work, thanks for suggestion though. afd

 

[MikeWilson]

Does anyone have any contact details for ParcelForce/Customs? I'm not content to sit on my bum while Customs have my iPad; Ideally I'd like to get everything sorted on Monday by speaking directly with the agent(s) involved.

I just got an email back from ParcelForce that effectively says "Computer Says No" to any contact with Customs. Might need to locate a name and telephone number or at least a department email address in order to progress this.

 

[cyberheater]

Cyber, you then me.

You and Cyber should get yours this week. I hope to get mine this week but it looks like Customs wants to give mine a further grilling as it's not getting released - it's gone to 'Store' (awaiting information).

Not good mate. I wish there was another way for us to get our ipads without all this faffing about...

 

[Reser]

Does anyone have any contact details for ParcelForce/Customs? I'm not content to sit on my bum while Customs have my iPad; Ideally I'd like to get everything sorted on Monday by speaking directly with the agent(s) involved.

I just got an email back from ParcelForce that effectively says "Computer Says No" to any contact with Customs. Might need to locate a name and telephone number or at least a department email address in order to progress this.

Parcelforce -

Phone our customer service team on 0844 800 4466.
Our customer service advisors are available 0800-1900 Monday-Friday, 0800-1730 Saturdays and 0900-1700 Sundays,

One of the options is 'Pay customs charges' not sure if they will be able to find out for you.

You could also try ringing HM revenue and Customs.

 

[Reser]

Reser-

I tried using a Paypal account because someone said it worked a few pages back. I didn't use ebay, because the vouchers are sold at a premium and doing it through paypal wouldn't. (I know there would be charged for money transfers) Also I have an existing US iTunes account that has been suspended due to buying vouchers from a dodgy source, would like to avoid that.

I only transfered a small amount in case it didn't work. (although I'd still like it back...)

I'll try sending an invoice, but why would it allow me send the money just because I send an invoice? I have already tried sending money which is in the account.

edit - invoice didn't work, thanks for suggestion though. afd

Well usually as long as you have money in your account you can buy stuff off ebay e.t.c without a card associated. So sending a request for money for a product might have worked, oh well.

Also seems these USA accounts are very difficult to make without a US card or a voucher.

I even have a virtual USA card but with 0 funds and it wont accept it ..

 

[Ashmanspice]

Does anyone have any contact details for ParcelForce/Customs? I'm not content to sit on my bum while Customs have my iPad; Ideally I'd like to get everything sorted on Monday by speaking directly with the agent(s) involved.

I just got an email back from ParcelForce that effectively says "Computer Says No" to any contact with Customs. Might need to locate a name and telephone number or at least a department email address in order to progress this.

I'm betting customs are holding on to it because they need some info from you. Probably a receipt or paypal statement.

 

[MikeWilson]

Parcelforce -

One of the options is 'Pay customs charges' not sure if they will be able to find out for you.

You could also try ringing HM revenue and Customs.

Thanks Reser I will give that number a go and also try calling a few of the public HM Revenue & Customs numbers. I've also found a number for perhaps the 'Parcelforce Customs Team' @ Customs and I'll try that. If it's legit I'll post the number here.

Not good mate. I wish there was another way for us to get our ipads without all this faffing about...

Whatever the iPad ends up being like (bear in mind most of us I'm guessing never saw one until it was delivered), I know one thing. The launch wasn't magical or unbelievable....

 

[MikeWilson]

I'm betting customs are holding on to it because they need some info from you. Probably a receipt or paypal statement.

That's what I reckon too. And I have neither. I will call them and see if they want to see the original purchase receipt. If they do, I hope they'll accept a scanned image?

Will post here to let everyone know what comes...

 

[zed2]

Tried that. Set up US PAYPAL account, sent some money from UK account, set up US iTunes account, tried to tie account to US paypal account and got stopped because the account wasn't linked to a US bank account or credit card. Any suggestions?

yeah... then only way I got around that is... I set up a US bank account, and used usunlocked to get a temp US credit card.

I US bank account is with Chase.

 

[MacRy]

Not good mate. I wish there was another way for us to get our ipads without all this faffing about...

I hear that! Mine is now only 14 miles away from me in the Milton Keynes hub awaiting payment of charges to be released. I will be phoning them at 8am to see if I can collect this evening. Sooooo sooooo close.

 

[Reser]

I hear that! Mine is now only 14 miles away from me in the Milton Keynes hub awaiting payment of charges to be released. I will be phoning them at 8am to see if I can collect this evening. Sooooo sooooo close.

26-04-2010 05:04 International Hub RELEASED WITH CHARGES
25-04-2010 11:41 International Hub AWAITING CUSTOMS CHARGING
25-04-2010 11:41 International Hub AWAITING CUSTOMS CHARGES
25-04-2010 11:36 International Hub Arrived in destination country

Woot.

I hope it can get up to Newcastle before 5pm so I can send someone to pick it up for me while I am at work. Will also be ringing at 8am lol.

 

[Vanilla]

One advantage of being stuck in the states due to the Icelandic ash cloud is that i managed to pick up a 32gb iPad. Some iTunes vouchers linked to a new account attached to a US work address and I was up and running in no time.

On the way home - after finally getting a flight - i played a movie, did some work in Keynote, played a few games and jotted some notes in Pages and still had plenty of battery time. I've not experienced any wifi or heat issues, the keyboard is fine to type on and the iWork apps are awesome.

Still early days but I'm loving this machine. It's transformed the way my family interacts with the Internet and my kids love the games. Still use a laptop for accessing flash sites and more detailed work but my laptop/iMac usage has certainly dropped quite dramatically. I'm looking forward to presenting a keynote presentation at work using just my iPad

Vanilla

 

[Reser]

Apparently i cannot pay customs chargers till it gets to my local depot. And even then they might not let me pay without the letter from customs first. He said I can try and gave me thier number but said it is at their discretion if they let me or not..

Also said it will not be at my local depot till late tonight after they have closed which sucks.. I will still be checking to see if they get there before 5pm.