Full Guide to Apple iPad in Singapore and Other Non-USA International Countries

Apple’s iPad is causing quite a buzz both online and in the real world as many people are talking about this “magical” product excitedly. On 27 January 2010, Steve Jobs announced their latest flagship product, the Apple iPad, which is a tablet-like computer developed by Apple Inc. Analysts have placed the iPad in between a smartphone and a laptop computer, with the potential to be a netbook killer. Others are calling it a giant iPod, or a larger iPhone which you cannot make phone calls on.

iPad Full Technical Specifications for Singapore and International Markets

Size and weight

Height:
9.56 inches (242.8 mm)
Width:
7.47 inches (189.7 mm)
Depth:
0.5 inch (13.4 mm)
Weight:
1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) Wi-Fi model;
1.6 pounds (0.73 kg) Wi-Fi + 3G model

More at Full Video Specs: Steve Jobs Unveiled Apple’s iPad on 27 January 2010

How Much for iPad Singapore and International Prices and Models

The iPad is currently only available in America via their actual Apple Stores or the online Apple store. The prices of an iPad starts from US$499 for the 16GB iPad (Wi-Fi). To moderate the expected demand and ensure that more people can get an iPad, Apple is currently limiting each customer to 2 iPads purchases.

Based on the 6 iPad variants available currently, the estimated prices in Singapore dollars based on 6 April 2010 exchange rates are listed below.

(Wi-Fi)
16GB iPad – US$499 ~ S$700
32GB iPad – US$599 ~ S$840
64GB iPad – US$699 ~ S$980

(Wi-Fi + 3G)
16GB iPad – US$629 ~ S$880
32GB iPad – US$729 ~ S$1,020
64GB iPad – US$829 ~ S$1,160

Note that the price estimates do not take into considerations the international transportation and shipping charges, logistic and warehousing costs, insurance and middlemen fees etc.

To calculate the estimated prices of an iPad in other international currencies, simply key in the USD price of your preferred iPad model in the table below, choose your country from the drop down list, and click on “Go” to get the pricing.

The international pricing calculator can estimate the prices for an iPad for a large range of countries including, Canada, India, China, UK, Ireland, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Europe, Indonesia, Mexico etc.

When Will iPad Be Available in Singapore and Other International Countries and Where to Buy?

Buying iPad from Local Apple Stores

The blog “iPad in Canada” has recently reported based on a rumor that the iPad may be available in Canada from 24 April 2010. The date has been marked as a “black day” by all Canadian Apple Store staff, which means that no employees are allowed to take that day off. This implies that something big may be happening. Also it has been noted that Canada is technically considered as an international country from the USA’s perspective. Moreover, Apple has previously announced that iPad will be available internationally from “late April”.

In other words many countries Internationally and Singapore may get the iPad from 24 April 2010.

Update (7 April 2010) – It has been reported that Australia, along with 8 other international countries had already started selling iPads.

How to Order and Buy iPad in Singapore from Apple Store Online for International Shipping

For people living outside of USA and would like to get your hands on the Apple iPad before the speculated 24 April 2010 international launch, it may be quite challenging since the iPad is not being shipped internationally at the moment.

However there are a few options available. The most expensive option will be to fly over to USA personally to buy the iPad from their local US Apple Stores. The 2nd option is to get someone you know who happens to be in the States to get one iPad for you.

The 3rd option which I am considering is to see if you have any local shipping/concierge companies which allow you to forward your purchases to one of the companies’ central warehouses in USA for consolidation, before re-forwarding the item to your country, along with other overseas purchases by your fellow countrymen. This option is usually not very expensive as the companies involved enjoy economies of scale by consolidating purchases before sending back the purchases.

How to Send iPad to Singapore – Through vPOSTUSA Courier

I am still considering if I would like to get an iPad shipped over to Singapore, but if I do decide to do so, I will most likely use vPOSTUSA. I have used their services previously for buying some stuff over Amazon.com which do not support international shipping, and I was rather please with the hassle-free and rather affordable service (this is not an advertorial, though I would wish so lol). But there are other services out there which you can shop around.

Step 1 – Shop and pay online from Apple’s iPad Store. At merchant checkout, use your personalised vPOST shipping address (login to your vPOST account to view your address). Click here to sign-up for VPOST.

Step 2 – Email your purchase invoice to invusa@vpost.com.sg.

Step 3 – Pay your vPOST shipping charges online and you should receive your purchases in 5-8 working days’ time. Note that Apple currently offer free local (USA) shipping, which will include free shipping to vPOSTUSA’s warehouses.

Is the iPad Locked in Singapore or Other International Countries?

This is an important for many potential iPad users since some of the iPad models come with 3G accessibility, which gives the iPad users mobile internet connectivity over the 3G network. The good news is that the iPad will be shipping internationally unlocked. The bad news is that for users to utilise the 3G functionality, you will need the latest “3G Micro SIM” card.

Engadget said: “The SIM – that tiny card that holds your contact info and account information that you find in your GSM handset – is a 15 x 25mm plastic card whereas the new Micro SIM (also known as a 3FF SIM) is a diminutive 12 x 15mm, about 52% smaller. Needless to say, it’s not physically compatible with your current phone. This card was … to offer things like more storage space on-chip for provider applications, increased control and security functions…”

To-date, the 3 local Singapore telcos: Singtel, Starhub and M1, do not currently carry the “3G Micro SIM” card. While many Singaporeans will probably wish that their telcos switch to or offer these new SIM cards soon, the verdict is still out. This is because some analysts are suggesting that the demand for iPad’s 3G variant may not be strong since, like most netbooks and laptops, many users are not road-warriors and are contented to tap onto free home, office or public Wi-Fi networks if they need to surf the net on the go.

Bottom-line is, if you plan to order your iPad internationally via vPOSTUSA, you may want to order the cheaper Wi-Fi-only variant since we are not sure if Singtel/Starhub/M1 will offer the right-type of SIM card anytime soon.

Funny Apple iPad Spoofs

As with any Apple products, there are plenty of funny and LOL spoofs available online. iPad is a particularly easy target due to its weird choice of name. Some of the funnier iPad spoofs include:

The REAL iPad Revealed – Funny iPad Spoof

Why New iPad is Meant for Girls – Funny Spoof Video of Apple

Why Will You Buy an Apple iPad?

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Let us know your opinions on the Apple iPad and vote here, or share your comments below.

How to Get a Free Apple iPad?

Click here to learn how you can Get a Free Apple iPad Today! This is real and legitimate, but the only thing to note is the disclaimer: You must reside in the United States or Canada to participate in the free iPad promotion.

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