OK, after having talked about the Apple iPad's design, hardware configuration, apps and accessories, it's about time to tackle another extremely important issue, namely that of pricing, which, as far as we're concerned, will ultimately decide whether the iPad will go down in history as one of the coolest gadgets ever manufactured or just a niche product that enjoyed a fairly small level of success.

So, the first criterion used for setting apart the pricing for the iPad is that of the amount of available storage memory. As we've mentioned in one of our previous articles, we're talking about three different capacities, which translates into three different price points: $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model.

However, these prices are solely valid for the Wi-Fi-only models, so if you want to take your future iPad along pretty much wherever you're going, you'll have to cough up an extra 130 US dollars for the 3G-enabled versions. That translates into $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model, which, as far as we're concerned, is one of the few areas where Apple actually got way too greedy (come on, adding a 3G module to a platform costs a LOT less than 130 bucks).

Another extremely interesting issue related to the iPad is the service plan deals negotiated by Apple and US telecom carrier AT&T. So, for just 15 bucks a month, users will get 250MB of data transfers, while 30 US dollars will get them... unlimited data. Indeed, Apple really nailed it right there, since this is one of the most appealing data deals ever.

Obviously, users won't be able to simply go out to the nearest Apple store and purchase this thing. No, those curious enough to try out the iPad for themselves will have to wait until March in order to get their hands on the Wi-Fi version, while those eager to go for the more advanced Wi-Fi + 3G will have to wait until April.


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .