iPad hits NZ this week

Finally, the wait is over. New Zealand will get Apple's groundbreaking iPad tablet computer this week.

The 'giant iPod' device - which allows users to watch HD videos, play music, surf the web, read ebooks and run hundreds of interesting applications from Apple's App Store - will hit shops on Friday.

Both 3G and Wi-Fi versions of the iPad will be available through Apple resellers and the online store here.

Vodafone will not be selling the device directly but, according to a spokesperson, 3G iPads will ship with a pre-installed Vodafone microSIM card, and buyers will be able to select a plan to suit.

The 3G iPad - also Wi-Fi friendly - starts at $999 for the 16GB version, $1179 for the 32GB and a massive $1349 for the hero 64GB model.

The 16GB Wi-Fi version carries a $799 recommended retail price, with the 32GB model costing $979 and the 64GB selling for $1149.

- NZ HERALD STAFF