Apple has announced that both AT&T and Verizon Wireless will begin selling the iPad in their respective retail stores, starting on October 28th.
AT&T will be selling the 3G model at the standard price points of $629 for the 16GB version, $729 for the 32GB version, and $829 for the 64GB version. Because the iPad 3G service provided by AT&T is prepaid with no contract, there is no discount for purchasing the device directly from AT&T.
While the 3G iPad is still a GSM device, Verizon Wireless plans to offer bundles containing the Wi-Fi iPad together with a Novatel Mi-Fi 3G router, which will provide users with the same mobile connectivity that AT&T iPad users currently enjoy. Price points will match the 3G model but will include the Novatel Mi-Fi router and a special service plan offering 1GB of data transfer for $20 per month ($20 per 1GB overage), 3GB for $35 or 5GB for $50 (both $10 per 1GB overage). Read more
Starting Friday, iPhone 3GS will be $49 w/2 year contract
iPhone 3GS
Wall Street Journal is reporting that AT&T (but not Apple itself) will begin offering the outdated but still excellent iPhone 3GS for just $49 with a new 2 year contract.
Whether or not this is just an attempt to clear out inventory or sign up as many new AT&T customers as possible before Verizon gets the iPhone, it’s a great deal for potential smartphone buyers who may be considering other Android or Windows Phone devices, or even simple “dumb phones”.
AT&T is expected to lose iPhone exclusivity at some point this year, and rumors are swirling that the arrival of a Verizon iPhone is imminent. Read more