The Go Go Green iPad: Previewing Apple’s Next Big Thing

There’s a whole slew of other features as well. These include audio output via either built-in speakers or a headphone jack, horizontal or vertical viewing, USB syncing with iTunes and charging through one’s computer, an on-screen keyboard, wireless connectivity options (Wi-Fi, 3G cellular, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR), a fingerprint resistant coating on the screen, multi-language display support, “assisted” GPS via Wi-Fi/3G, that familiar old 30-pin dock connector on the bottom and an ambient light sensor. A few accessories are also being made available, including a keyboard dock for those who don’t want to use the virtual keyboard, a protective case, a charging/syncing dock and a “camera connection kit” which lets you import photos and videos directly from a digital camera.

So what about pricing, availability and storage sizes? This is where it gets a little interesting, and perhaps a little confusing as well. It is mostly determined by storage size (based upon flash memory capacity) and what wireless options are built in (this latter also impacts availability – Wi-Fi only will be March, while Wi-Fi+3G will be April). This results in the following: 16GB (Wi-Fi) $499/ 16GB (Wi-Fi+3G) $629/ 32GB (Wi-Fi) $599/ 32 GB (Wi-Fi+3G) $729/ 64GB (Wi-Fi) $699/ 64GB (Wi-Fi+3G) $829. Those buying the 3G option will obviously also need a cellular data plan, which will be provided pre-paid by AT&T only. Two plan options will be available, according to Engadget, including a $14.99 a month for 250MB of wireless data transfer and $29.99 a month for unlimited transfer. One will not have to visit AT&T or Apple to activate the 3G option, as it can be handled all via the iPad. Free Wi-Fi access will also be available be AT&T wireless hotspots.

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