Apple Releases iPad 3G

Following closely on the heels of the April 3rd release of the Wi-Fi version of their iPad, in which they sold 300,000+ units, Saturday Apple released to the public the long range version, the 3G iPad. It was made available for purchase at 5:00 PM.

In San Francisco, at one local retailer, there were lines of more than 75 people 90 minutes before the retailer could sell it. The scene was repeated in many retail locations that offered the new iPad for sale. Many of the purchasers are buying in the hopes of using the lightweight unit to replace their bulkier laptop.

One IT professional at the retailer said that he planned on using it to replace his laptop, and intends to take it everywhere with him. The iPad 3G is a mix of laptop and iPhone, combining the features of the two into a touch-screen that is just under 10 inches.

It was intended as a media consumption device, games and internet surfing were the primary purposes. It seems though, that many are intending their unit to do more business than Apple originally intended. Most of the people claimed that the light, small design is the reason why.

Apple 3G network is being carried by AT&T at present and only costs just under $30.00 for unlimited access. The Wi-Fi model of the iPad has a MSRP of $499, and the longer range 3G iPad costs $629.00. Analysts are speculating that they will have sales exceeding 5 million units this year alone, with this start it is a reasonable figure.