The iPad

Dedicated fans queued all night – again – for release of yet another Apple product. This time not the iPhone, it was of course the much anticipated iPad.

Not sure what the hype is about?

What the Apple iPad TV Ad.

Sydney Apple store

Apple Sydney (city) store have massive queues around the block – all wanting to be the first with an Australian iPad. Some had queued from 2am the previous morning.. in what would have been very cold and wet conditions.

Rahul Koduri began camping out more than 24 hours beforehand, was the first in line for the iPad release. “I could have pre-ordered but there’s a different feel to it when you line up outside an Apple store,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Bondi Superstore

Completion of construction on the newly announced Apple super store at Bondi was under cloud yesterday. Would it even be finished in time? Of course… the official opening was 8am today, on the day of the iPad launch.  Not a surprise that Apple chose to capatilise on the iPad hysteria.

The lines there were a similar scene to the city store, with staff at the new store whipping everyone into an Apple frenzy.  It was perhaps disappointing, but not surprising, to hear that some journo’s jumped the line to be served first, who’d not been waiting long. We all know they can be a low form of life. At least there was no fisty-cuffs put up by those actually first in line. Although that would have raised more excitement in the non-Apple world…

With the iPad starting at $629 (eventhough it’s only US$499) – are you getting one?

It’s good to see that it has triggered better data plans from the telcos.  Hopefully a price war may ensue?

iPad data plans

Check out some of the data plans available for use with the iPad by clicking the links below.

Three iPad data plans:

Vodafone iPad data plans:

Check those out online.

iPad Accessories

We have iKlear Cleaning Kits to keep your iPad clean and shiny. We also have iHome portable speakers that are just perfect.

We’ll soon also be offering protective cases. Stay tuned for more info!

And of course there will be the world of Apple iPad accessories …

Be wary of your mobile spend

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Authority (AMTA) has issued a warning to consumers about premium mobile phone & SMS services.

Most premium services offer entertainment, news, games, competitions as well as other content such as ringtones, wallpapers and information services. They usually cost more than standard SMS messages and are often featured in magazine advertisements, on television and on the internet.

AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, warns it is crucial that consumers are fully aware of what they are signing up to; and that people should ensure that they check the fine print of any offer before signing up.

Some questions Chris advises you should always ask:

• How do you opt out or cancel the subscription?
• Is it a one-off cost or are you signing up to the ongoing cost of a subscription service?
• If it is a subscription service, is there a minimum term?
• How does the pricing work?
• Are you paying to receive calls and messages as well as send them?
• What is the total cost of the service?

More info:
AMTA: Consumer alert
AMTA: Premium content sending mixed messages

Other charges and billing problems

Of course, it’s not just these types of unexpected charges that are making the news these days.

We also have children accidentally running up exorbitant bills; call charges for above the cap limits – and the iPhone dramas of 300 page bills, $4,954 bills; unexpected data charges for what you thought was “free” or capped net surfing – let alone the roaming charges fiasco. You only need to see how many videos are on YouTube about it.

The AMTA and ACMA websites have heaps of information to help you control your spending, how to avoid “surprises” and other helpful tips.

Of course, keeping an eye on your own bills online is always a very handy tip for your mobile phone spend.

Aside of course from avoiding late night tv ads