PC Pals Forum

Technical Help & Discussion => Mobile Phones & Other Handheld Devices => Topic started by: Simon on May 09, 2010, 20:33

Title: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 09, 2010, 20:33

Apple has announced the UK prices for its iPad tablet, and once again British buyers are being forced to pay a hefty premium.  It also appears that customers who pay for the 3G models will get no discount on the hardware, even when they pay for expensive monthly tariffs.  The cheapest iPad, the 16GB Wi-Fi-only model, will cost £429 inc VAT. That same model is on sale in the US for $499, which is only £340 at today's exchange rate.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/357796/uk-ipad-prices-another-great-rip-off

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: sam on May 09, 2010, 21:47

yikes! I'm contemplating getting one when they come out here at the end of the month, its the same price in C$ as US$... which is about right.

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 09, 2010, 22:22

Trouble is, the US versions will be a different voltage, won't they? 

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: sam on May 09, 2010, 22:31

Well most electronics, well computers anyway, can deal with both - you are right its worth checking out but my UK laptop has had no issues over here (touches wood).

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 09, 2010, 22:45

I was going to buy a US BluRay player, so as to play Region A discs, and I would have had to buy a voltage converter, but I don't know about computers. 

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: sam on May 09, 2010, 23:39

oh, that's interesting - I guess it depends on the complexity of the electronics.

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 10, 2010, 00:02

Also, might Canada be different to the US?

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Rik on May 10, 2010, 10:36

Many power bricks handle 110-230V.

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 10, 2010, 11:04

Ours is 240V isn't it?

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Rik on May 10, 2010, 11:16

Notionally, it's 230V nowadays, the tolerance factors are set  up, though, so that 240V remains the actual voltage in most places.

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 10, 2010, 11:20

There used to be a switch on some older equipment, to change voltages.  I seem to remember it was on older VCRs. 

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Rik on May 10, 2010, 11:27

That used to be commonplace. You could slide it to the wrong setting, then turn the power on and watch the smoke. :)

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 10, 2010, 11:30

That's probably why you don't see them now, then.  ;D

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Rik on May 10, 2010, 11:44

Probably...

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: sam on May 10, 2010, 13:45

Quote from: Simon on May 10, 2010, 00:02

Also, might Canada be different to the US?

Canada is 110, like the US - most things here are pretty much the same given they are joined. Its in Canada's interests too - as it keeps things cheap for them. Still I'll never get used to these silly power plugs.

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: davy51 on May 10, 2010, 14:25

When most here buy electronic Equip expecting to use it in Europe we also buy an adapter that converts the power
 
http://tinyurl.com/2r5k38

That way we can use the same equipment where ever we go

Here is a list of voltages as well as HZ for the world

http://tinyurl.com/oujdl

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Rik on May 10, 2010, 16:11

 :thumbs:

Title: Re: UK iPad prices: another great rip-off
Post by: Simon on May 10, 2010, 21:18

Thanks Dave, useful links.  :)