(Image courtesy of 9to5Mac)
Apple’s iPad is now poised to go mainstream -- in addition to now being available at Target stores nationwide on Sunday, the iOS tablet has popped up on Amazon.com and reportedly in other stores such as Fry’s Electronics as well.
9to5Mac is reporting that the iPad has finally arrived on Amazon.com, taking most everyone by surprise on Monday morning, given that there was no heads-up or leak about the news. The e-tailer is selling all six versions of the iPad, including the trio of 3G models -- noteworthy since they are tied to AT&T service, and Amazon has never been blessed with the capability of selling the iPhone.
Amazon is an attractive buying option for the iPad, given that the company doesn’t charge sales tax in many states and offers free Super Saver Shipping. If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can even get yours shipped in just two days for free as well.
Of course, Amazon isn’t the only new retailer getting the iPad this week -- as rumored for weeks, the device flew into Target stores on Sunday, October 3, with tablets actually in store and accessories offered on Target.com.
PCWorld (via TUAW) notes that Target credit card holders may have a very compelling reason to buy an iPad at the store, since the company will be offering a five percent discount on all purchases starting October 17, which replaces their previous Target Rewards program -- that would net buyers a $25 discount off the entry-level 16GB Wi-Fi only model, although you’ll still pay sales tax in store, of course.
At least one TUAW reader has also noted that the popular Fry’s Electronics chain in the Western half of the U.S. is also now selling the iPad, which is not surprising since the chain has long carried Apple products in the past. In any event, more iPads in the world can only be a good thing, so if you haven’t joined the ranks by now, you have at least three more options -- and probably more to come soon enough.
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