iPad in Singapore

The iPad is now available in Singapore.

I had one a month ago, and without iTunes support, it was just a fashion accessory to show off to your friends, similar to a Vertu Phone, however, will there be any difference with the official iPad launch in Singapore?

All iPad models will be available from July 23 in Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and Singapore for a suggested retail pricesuggested retail price of S$728 for the 16GB model, S$878 for the 32GB model, S$1028 for the 64GB model, S$928 for the 16GB Wi-FiWi-Fi + 3G model, S$1078 for the 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G model and S$1228 for the 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G model. iPad will be sold through select Apple Authorised Resellers iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.
(No thanks to the Apple Store online in Singapore)

The iPad is not too expensive compared to the US price, but here are a few points to note:

Pros:
1) iPad's touch features is fantastic, response much better than the other touch screens on tablets.

2) Simple OS, very easy to use.

3) Multi-touch surface for interacting

4) Wifi and 3G support, convenient to use anywhere.



Cons:
1) You can’t buy Kindle eBooks from Amazon (legally) as Singapore is one of the few countries that is not supported.

2) Many books are not available on iBook in Singapore.

3) Weight... The damn thing is heavy, double that of kindle perhaps?

4) Restricted Application -- Subjected to Apple's approval

5) No USB port -- REALLY annoying at times.

6) No Flash support, really annoying on many sites.

7) Back lit display, sort of like a notebook, which may cause strain to your eyes.

8) 10 hour battery life... Short for an ebook reader.

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In short, if you want to use it to read ebook and browse the web, get a Nook or a Kindle. They cost much less, and can last up to 10 days without Wifi on.

If you want more, and show off your new toy, get the iPad. It is definitely novel now as not a lot of people own it, and you can be and early adopter... Which means you will inherit all the problems and bugs not resolved by Apple.

-- Robin Low