US iPad 2 3G

arsenal

Hey folks,

Apologies if this answer is glaringly obvious but I just thought i'd throw it out there to the experts at large. I know someone heading to the states soon and am thinking of putting in an order for an ipad 2.

Am thinking of a 3G model, and I've noticed on the site that they're sold pre-set for AT&T or Verizon... what's the implications of that for someone bringing it back here? Is it to do with the hardware and networks those two providers use or is it a case that it'll be activated in-store to that network with a contract etc when you buy it?

Any advice??

As always thanks to everyone!!!

godskitchen

My honest advice would be to just wait for it to come out over here.

rivalius13

Get the AT&T one. Remember though, sales tax is added at the till, so find out the sales tax where you're buying it to find out the price.

Gregor Samsa

Neither 3G model is sold with a data plan - but I'm not sure if they are network locked in the US (their iPhones are, even the ones bought direct from Apple).


The main difference between the two is that the Verizon one uses completely different technology to any of the mobile networks over here, and it doesn't even have a SIM slot (SIMs aren't used on Verizon's CDMA network). The AT&T one is, on a technology level, compatible withe the mobile networks here. So that rules out the Verizon one for use in Ireland, and just leaves the status of the network lock on the AT&T one open.

I'll also be in the US at the end of the month, and I'll be picking up a WiFi only iPad 2 for myself (16GB - the only question is what colour). Even with Sales Tax factored in (7.775% in Minneapolis, where I'll be), it should work out significantly cheaper to get it over there than here (of course, Euro prices haven't been announced yet, but one can take a good guess). And I'll be able to use it on the plane home.


EDIT: The US Apple Store spec says

The iPad you choose is configured to work only with one carrier.

Which looks like the AT&T one is locked to that network. So you'd have to look into the options of network unlocking to use the 3G aspect over here.

paddyman

EDIT: The US Apple Store spec says

Quote:
The iPad you choose is configured to work only with one carrier.

Which looks like the AT&T one is locked to that network. So you'd have to look into the options of network unlocking to use the 3G aspect over here.

I seen this too, but the general concensus is that like the original Ipad the Ipad2 won't be network locked. Something this big would of leaked by now.

I'm sure we will find out on the release date for certain, but as stated anyone wanting to bring a 3g model home will have to ensure its an AT&T model. The CDMA model wont work (same with the Verizon XOOM). I have someone going over to the states next week too and i'm hoping to get one brought home.

culabula

Nope, I'd avoid it. Like Japan before it with iPad 1, it looks as though iPad 2 will be network-locked in the States. Much better to get a European model.

KerranJast

Hey lads, sorry for the hijack. I'll be in Boston in a few weeks. I'm tempted to get a wifi iPad2. It's for the parents to use in the living room.
What's the story with warranty? Battery replacement etc? Will Apple Ireland/Europe recognise it?

culabula

KerranJast wrote: »

Hey lads, sorry for the hijack. I'll be in Boston in a few weeks. I'm tempted to get a wifi iPad2. It's for the parents to use in the living room.
What's the story with warranty? Battery replacement etc? Will Apple Ireland/Europe recognise it?

No issues. Warranty is worldwide. Go for it.

snappieT

KerranJast wrote: »

Hey lads, sorry for the hijack. I'll be in Boston in a few weeks. I'm tempted to get a wifi iPad2. It's for the parents to use in the living room.
What's the story with warranty? Battery replacement etc? Will Apple Ireland/Europe recognise it?

Only difference is that the charger block you get will have a US 2-pin plug - but you can always pick up an adapter or a UK charger.

KerranJast

Thanks folks. Good to know.

BBMcQ

What sorta price savings are we talking about when buying the 16gb wifi in the US?

California I work out at being around 9.5% sales tax, so 546.40 USD = 390.731 EUR. Am I missing something here, or is this a straight up saving? save the customs tax on re-entry (21% VAT?).

culabula

OK, I was misinformed and am sorry if I in my turn, misled.

This just in......happy days:

http://www.tuaw.com/2011/03/06/confirmed-ipad-2-will-not-be-carrier-locked-in-canada-or-anywh/

3rdDegree

stuartmchugh wrote: »

What sorta price savings are we talking about when buying the 16gb wifi in the US?

California I work out at being around 9.5% sales tax, so 546.40 USD = 390.731 EUR. Am I missing something here, or is this a straight up saving? save the customs tax on re-entry (21% VAT?).

I don't think there is duty on imported computers or computer parts.

Johnmb

3rdDegree wrote: »

I don't think there is duty on imported computers or computer parts.

There is, if you get caught. I'm not aware of anyone ever being charged them for bringing in a single unit of something as small as an iPad for private use though. (Unless they actually went out of their way to declare it)

culabula

Johnmb wrote: »

There is, if you get caught. I'm not aware of anyone ever being charged them for bringing in a single unit of something as small as an iPad for private use though. (Unless they actually went out of their way to declare it)

Dead right. But AFAIK, at 390€, you are well within the ceiling allowed, even if you did declare it.

douglashyde

hey - just reading this thread and am sorta wondering the same thing.

Got a mac book air there a few months ago and it is amazing. I'm hooked.

Heading over to the states for a while next month and wanted to order 2 IPAD 2 3g's (one for dad and one for me).

Am I right in saying that the AT+T 3G ipad 2 will work over here with a meteor or o2 sim card?

Thanks guys

LukeS_

Seeing the link that Culabula posted on the last page, you should be alright and be able to use Irish 3G, yes.

culabula

douglashyde wrote: »

hey - just reading this thread and am sorta wondering the same thing.

Got a mac book air there a few months ago and it is amazing. I'm hooked.

Heading over to the states for a while next month and wanted to order 2 IPAD 2 3g's (one for dad and one for me).

Am I right in saying that the AT+T 3G ipad 2 will work over here with a meteor or o2 sim card?

Thanks guys

It will -or 3 or Tesco or Vodafone or even JustMobile.

douglashyde

thanks guys