Original iPad Drops To $399 As iPad 2 Launches

There's no word on whether it's a permanent thing but in the wake of the iPad 2's launch the 16GB Wi-Fi only version of the original iPad is available for $399. Apple hasn't revealed how much inventory it has left of the first generation tablet but it is available now for anyone who can live without dual-core processors and dual-cameras. Even if the deal doesn't last long it doesn't do Motorola's Xoom any favors as it means two iPads could be purchased for the price of one contract-free Xoom.

Focal Points:

• When compared to the iPad 2 the main differences are a faster dual-core processor and more RAM. The processor is a dual-core 1GHz A5 chip compared to the iPad's A4 processor. While the amount of RAM the iPad 2 contains hasn't been disclosed by Apple is rumored to be 512MB, twice that found in the original model. As expected the iPad also offers two cameras, one rear-facing with an unspecified resolution and the other a front facing camera for video calling with FaceTime.
• The prices of the different versions of the iPad 2 will be no different to the previous price increments and will still set you back $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version.
• Reactions to the tablet have been mixed with some saying that Apple haven't improved the device as much as people have thought it would with others saying that the fact the price has remained the same with the upgrades is enough to ensure its future success.
• With the promise of a March 11 release date from Steve Jobs an impressively fast roll out will mean that the iPad 2 will have been out about a month before its closest competitor in price, the PlayBook, is released.

It seems that price matters to consumers more than serious hardware at the moment and it could be argued that this is the main advantage Apple now has over its competitors. For a long time the Xoom was deemed an iPad killer, a title which it looks like it won't attain with its premium price tag.