Retailers JB Hi-Fi and Dick Smith forced into iPad secrecy pact
APPLE has gagged retailers from talking about the iPad ahead of it its Australian launch this week.
APPLE has gagged retailers from talking about the iPad before its Australian launch.
The mega-hyped device finally goes on sale on Friday, after its release was delayed by two months due to overwhelming demand in the US.
Sources yesterday confirmed to the Herald Sun that retailers such as Dick Smith and JB Hi-Fi have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements preventing them from discussing their iPad plans.
A spokesman for one Melbourne electronics store contacted yesterday said it wouldn't even learn until the last minute if it would have any iPads for sale - and if so, how many.
"The secrecy is just unbelievable," said the store manager, who did not wish to be named.
When the iPad went on sale in the US on April 3, shoppers queued outside stores.
Apple began taking pre-orders from Australian customers on May 10.
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They can either pick these up at Apple stores or arrange for the unit to be sent to a nominated address.
Apple initially promised they would be delivered on Friday, but now lists an "estimated ship time" of June.
Prices range from $629, for the cheapest of six configurations, up to $1049 for the 64GB 3G version.
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