Apple’s thinner, lighter and faster iPad Air is officially available for sale to the general public today. Queues in various flagship stores around the United States and Europe had people queuing outside for more than 24-hours in an effort to guarantee they are amongst the first to get their hands on Apple’s best performing iPad to date. To some it may seem like nothing more than an evolutionary update to the iPad line, but to others it most definitely still contains that Cupertino magic that is derived from being designed in California by Apple.
Apple is attempting to ensure that as many iPad fans get their hands on the device from the word go by pushing the product out to a whopping 42 countries on launch day. Those based in Australia were the first to get their hands on the new iPad Air, as is always the case due to their fortunate time zone placement, but residents of all the other 41 different countries will be able to put the 64-bit device through its paces by the close of business this evening. Of course, we shouldn’t forget that if the latest and greatest isn’t your thing then the second-generation is still being offered as a cheaper alternative.
Apple’s "power of air" tablet is available in either Space Gray or Silver color options with the 16GB Wi-Fi only model starting at $499. That price tag rises by $100 increments for each storage upgrade resulting in the 32GB model retailing for $599, the 64GB model for $699 and the 128GB model costing $799. If Wi-Fi plus Cellular is your preferred choice then be prepared to part with $629 for the base 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB, $829 for the 64GB and $929 for the all singing, all dancing 128GB cellular model.
What if a 9.7-inch tablet is just too big I hear you say? Well, it hasn’t been confirmed yet by Apple but it’s widely rumored that the Retina iPad mini 2 release date is set for store shelves in three weeks time on November 21st. Featuring the same Apple A7 chip the miniature device has been kitted out with a gorgeous new display that packs in 326 pixels-per-inch and of course ships with the latest version of iOS 7.
With the iPad Air being available immediately will you be getting in today, or waiting for the smaller Retina Display iPad mini 2?
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