iPad unavailable in mobile shops

EARLY adopters who want to get their hands on Apple's new iPad when it launches in France at the end of May will not be able to buy one from a mobile phone shop.

Apple has announced that the new touch-screen tablet will instead be distributed in Fnac, Darty, Boulanger and Surcouf - as well as the Apple stores in Paris and Montpellier.

Orange, Bouygues Telecom and SFR had all hoped to be able to sell the device in their shops and on their websites.

Nonetheless, they will still offer iPad subscription plans for customers - as a 3G connection is needed to make full use of the tablet away from a wi-fi zone.

Customers buying an iPad will have to tell the retailer which of the big three mobile firms they want to use. A 3G SIM card from the chosen operator will then be provided.

This is a change in direction from Apple, which made the iPhone available in Bouygues, Orange and SFR phone boutiques.

Les Echos says the decision reflects the fact that Apple sees the device as more of a laptop computer than a mobile phone.

There is still no word from Apple on how much the iPad will cost in France - or from the big three mobile operators on the price of their subscription plans.

The device launches in France at the end of next month - but advance reservations are possible on the Apple website and in Apple stores from May 10.

Photo: Matt Buchanan