Apple Tablet PC To Hit Both Verizon, AT&T?
Reports have surfaced that Apple is in 11th hour talks with both Verizon and AT&T with regards to carrying the highly anticipated Apple tablet which is expected to be introduced next Wednesday, Jan. 27th. To this point, still be a mystery as far as which carrier would carrier the iSlate, iGuide, iTable, or even iPad.
While it’s probably not going to look like the ST:TNG PADD above, the Apple tablet PC will definitely have 3G connectivity, in addition to wi-fi, so it was obvious that Apple would choose to partner with at least one carrier. The only big surprise would be if it chose Sprint or T-Mobile, the smaller of the big four carriers in the U.S.
According to the report, however, both carriers are in negotiations with Apple. With only a few days to go until Jan. 27th, it’s quite possible that Apple will announced the device without have a carrier agreement. There wouldn’t really be much harm in that, if, as rumored, the device doesn’t go on sale until March.
Naturally, the choice of AT&T is a natural one, due to the companies’ already existing relationship with the iPhone. Verizon isn’t a stretch, either, based on the fact it’s the largest carrier in the U.S., and the rampant rumors about a Verizon iPhone coming later this year, when AT&T exclusivity ends.
While AT&T’s 3G network has been soundly criticized for both its coverage and performance, AT&T does have one advantage: its network of wi-fi hotspots is huge. Using wi-fi rather than 3G is a much better proposition, if possible.
As with anything Apple, rumors and leaks will run rampant until next Wednesday. As with most Apple announcements, many can hardly wait.
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With what’s happened recentely with the iPhone, i will not be rushing out to buy the first release. I’ll wait for the product to improve and and also wait for the price to drop. Knowing Apple I won’t have to wait too long. I’d luv to know many people had buyers guilt after going to purchase the first edition