Finally, iPad 2 reaches India

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Putting an end to the suspense, Apple announced that its second-generation tablet PC, iPad 2, will be available in India from April 29, Friday, just over a month after the company started selling the updated version of its popular tablet device in the United States.

The device, priced between Rs. 29,500 and Rs. 46,900, will be available through authorized resellers from 9 a.m. local time on Friday, Apple said in a statement.

Pricing (including VAT)

16GB model: Rs. 29,500

32GB model: Rs. 34,500

64GB model: Rs. 39,500

iPad 2 with Wi-Fi + 3G will be available for a maximum retail price of Rs 36,900 for the 16GB model, Rs 41,900 for 32GB model and Rs 46,900 for 64 GB model.

CIOL had reported earlier that iPad 2 may come to India in April.

Research firm IHS iSuppli estimates Apple will ship 39.7 million units for all models of the iPad this year.

The first version of iPad, which hit the market a year ago was an instant hit and 300,000 units were sold on the first day itself and it crossed the 1 million unit mark in four weeks.

Apple also said the second-generation of its breakthrough post-PC device will arrive in Japan on Thursday, April 28, while countries including Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore will get it on April 29 along with India. Additionally, iPad 2 with Wi-Fi will be available in China beginning Friday, May 6.

iPad 2 features an entirely new design that is 33 per cent thinner and up to 15 per cent lighter than the original iPad, while maintaining the same 9.7-inch LED-backlit LCD screen.