iPad set for US release, but we’re still in the dark about the details

Tech lovers and analysts are gearing up for the release of Apple’s iPad tablet device in the US on Saturday, with pre-orders currently being shipped and developers ready to unleash their new and updated applications for the gadget.

But the Australian release of the device has been shrouded in secrecy, with Apple Australia refusing to clarify any definite launch date. It has already flagged a “late April” release, but so far no new information, including the names of 3G carriers for the device, has been announced.

Lines are already forming at some Apple retail stores in the US, with the iPad scheduled to be released at 9am this coming Saturday. Only the Wi-Fi version will be available at launch, while the 3G version of the gadget is set to be distributed in “late April”, along with some accessories.

The lead up to release of the iPad has been relatively quiet. Only a select few have used the device, after being given about thirty minutes following the company’s original announcement in January.

This has caused a large amount of speculation among tech blogs and analysts. Some have praised the gadget, while others have determined it will have no effect on the currently small tablet market – but both sides have said no conclusion can be reached until the iPad actually hits the market.

This Saturday, users will be able to play with the gadget for the first time – and developers are jumping on the opportunity. App developers have been working for weeks to create new programs for the device, with its bigger screen and faster technical specifications allowing more features and upgraded designs.

Leaked pictures have shown a number of applications ready for sale on launch day, including various drawing and sketching apps, Apple’s own iWorks suite, a number of music, business and reading apps and even games, with Melbourne-based studio Firemint releasing an updated version of their popular Flight Control program.

But with so much information yet to be confirmed regarding the Australian launch, would-be buyers are still in the dark. Here’s the information we have regarding the device:

What we know:

• The Wi-Fi version of the device will launch in the US on Saturday.
• It comes in three versions, with 16GB, 32GB and 64GB of memory, costing $US499, $US559, $US699 respectively.
• A 3G version of the device will be available later this month in the US, but no specific date has been cited by Apple.
• A number of apps are set to be launched, including the Wall Street Journal app, with costs for a subscription, along with several games, utilities and business applications.
• Content providers are gearing up for the device, with a number of magazines including Wired and GQ set to release iPad-ready versions. The Australian will also launch an iPad app, however it is set for launch next month.
• An update was launched earlier this week preparing iTunes for the iPad, allowing syncing with the device and support for the iBooks store.
• Demand for the device is hot, with new pre-orders only available after April 12. Orders made before the start of this week will receive theirs this Saturday, April 3.
• A lot of people will miss out. Electronics chain Best Buy will sell the iPad on launch date, but leaked memos have suggested each location will only hold 15 models. Stock at the Apple retail stores is also expected to be extremely limited.

What we don’t know:

• Any release date for the Australian version of the device.
• Pricing for the Australian launch. Local costs are usually marked up from US versions, even above the exchange rate.
• Australian carriers for the 3G model.
• How the device will run. No comprehensive reviews have been written, and analysts have only been allowed limited time with the gadget.
• How much it will sell – Apple has not released total pre-order numbers.
• How the apps will run. Some demonstrations have been released online but no hands-on examples have been allowed.

Despite the results, analysts are fascinated to see the outcome of the launch. Last year market speculation grew after Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster wrote in a research note that Apple would surely launch a netbook-like device in early 2010.

Since then, investors have been watching the market. Whenever Apple launches a new product, millions of sales usually follow.

Among Munster’s predictions were that the device would cost between $US500-700, measure about 25 centimetres, come with 3G and GPS capability and feature a host of new apps. He also predicted the device could bring in $US1.2 billion for the company with millions of sales, a prediction that shareholders are watching extremely closely.