 "Apple iPad Hits India Officially")
The Apple iPad is now officially available in India. Run around the corner to the nearest Apple store and you can pick up a model with a warantee, at Indian prices, paying in Indian rupees.
Pricing starts as low as Rs 27,900, going up to Rs 44,900. These are in line with the prices at which the same models are available in Europe, which means that Apple has forgone its usual strategy of setting a high premium. But then, it’s done that with the latest range of the MacBook, the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro and the iMac too.
Importantly, unlike in many European countries, both the wi-fi as well as the wi-fi-plus-3G versions on sale. Moreover, the iPad comes unlocked, unlike the iPhone, which means it will accept SIM cards from any service-provider.
With its official launch, the iPad should now be available to a wider audience. The now-famous App Store, which recently topped 10 billion downloads, has already boosted iPad usage in a number of innovative ways. Games, utilities, communication tools, newspapers, magazines, websites and TV channels, in particular, are extremely popular on the iPad.
Unfortunately, Apple’s e-book store, iBooks, remains out of bounds for users from India, robbing the iPad of one of its most exciting uses. However, readers can download and use the Kindle app for the iPad, which will enable them to buy e-books from India too.
The iPad will compete in India with the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Olivepad, among others. With its reputation preceding it, it has already evoked price-cuts from rivals - the Samsung Galaxy Tab, for instance, is now available at Rs 29,500, down from the launch price of Rs 36,499.
Retailers expect a small initial rush to buy the iPad, followed by steady sales.
Apple iPad prices
Wi-Fi - 16GB: Rs 27,900. 32GB: Rs 32,900. 64GB: Rs 37,900
Wi-Fi + 3G - 16GB: Rs 34,900. 32GB: Rs 39,900. 64GB: Rs 44,900
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
 "Israel targets top Hamas leaders in Doha; Qatar, Iran condemn strike as violation of sovereignty")
 "Nepal: Oli to continue until new PM is sworn in, nation on edge as all branches of govt torched")
 "Who is CP Radhakrishnan, India's next vice-president?")
 "Israel informed US ahead of strikes on Hamas leaders in Doha, says White House")
