Aussies get first batch of new iPads

Australian buyers will be among the first to get their hands on Apple’s new iPad tomorrow.

The consumer giant yesterday announced the latest iteration of its flagship tablet will go on sale in all Apple stores across Australia on Friday, and eight countries including the US and UK at 8am March 16.

The new iPad will arrive in New Zealand and several European countries from March 23.

Telstra will open its George St, Sydney and Bourke St, Melbourne stores at midnight tonight to new iPad customers. It will also retail the device through its Business Centres from 8am tomorrow morning.

Telstra spokesperson Rod Bruen told CRN this was the second midnight opening for the telco, having previously opened its doors early for the iPhone 4.

“We’re very excited and there’s customer demand for it,” he said. “There’s lots of interest around, and there’s a buzz already today at our George St store.”

Optus and Vodafone have confirmed they will stock the iPad from tomorrow morning on various plans. Optus's new iPad web page is yet to go live, but plans range from $19.95 p/m to $49.95 p/m.

PC World reports the iPad will also retail through Dick Smith, Big W, JB Hi-Fi and Target alongside Apple's online store. The Australian has reported Big W will also open three stores at midnight- one city store in Melbourne, as well two locations over 40km out of their respective cities- Rouse Hill, Sydney, and Fountain Gate, Melbourne.

Customers have been able to pre-order the new iPad online since its launch on 8th March, though Apple yesterday confirmed pre-orders had sold out. Those who ordered the tablet after the March 8 announcement will be forced to wait an extra week for delivery.

Apple will offer new iPad customers an in-store personal setup service free of charge.

The tablet comes in black and white, with the wi-fi model priced at $539 outright for 16GB, $649 for 32GB and $759 for 64GB. For wi-fi + 4G the 16GB will retail for $679, the 32GB $789 and 64GB $899.

The original iPad 2 will continue to be sold alongside the new iPad and has had its price slashed down to $429 for the 16GB wi-fi model and $569 for wi-fi + 3G.