Off to the States soon. iPad Air Purchase

Django x2 · 19 Jan 2023 at 09:29

I'm off to the US in April for work. Assuming my moral compass points North, Apple iPad Air (2022, 5th Gen?) are £899 in UK for 256Gb WiFi model.

BestBuy $649.99 plus sales tax ($699) and the import of 20pc works out around £680

That's a big saving, and even more if my moral compass points south. The iPad is going to be for the kid, but wasn't sure if there was a new version coming out soon.

Thanks

Feek · 19 Jan 2023 at 10:20

If it suits your current requirements, go for it. I doubt whether a kid will notice any difference between the current version and any new one.

My very first iPad came from the USA, my mate Tony was over there when it was launched and he brought me one back with him. The US got it before we did and so I had it ahead of the official UK launch. I used it every day in the canteen and not a single person commented. The day they were released the UK was the day that loads of people asked me "is that one of those new iPad things?"

Raymond Lin · 19 Jan 2023 at 12:44

I have the same iPad, but 64G, got it before the price hike and it's great.

visibleman · 19 Jan 2023 at 13:25

Django x2 said:
...the import of 20pc...

Huh?

Feek · 19 Jan 2023 at 13:29

visibleman said:
Huh?

pc = percent. He's talking about import duty.

visibleman · 19 Jan 2023 at 13:31

Feek said:
pc = percent. He's talking about import duty.

I know; perhaps that should have been a *wink* instead but as the OP said, moral compass and whatnot.

Feek · 19 Jan 2023 at 13:33

I first though it meant pieces, as in he was going to import 20 pieces, 20 iPads :eek:

Django x2 · 6 Mar 2023 at 10:48

Just following up on this. The LTE (Cellular) version is the same price in the US right now. Will this work with mobile carriers in the UK?

JollyJamma · 6 Mar 2023 at 10:54

Django x2 said:
Just following up on this. The LTE (Cellular) version is the same price in the US right now. Will this work with mobile carriers in the UK?

You'd have to look at the specs on the website to see which wireless frequecies is supported by the US model. I know that there is less of a difference between phones and tablet wireless compatibility in recent years but there's no promise that it will work.

The USA has very odd approach to cellular costs and regional band usage.

Django x2 · 6 Mar 2023 at 11:06

USA Spec

Code:

Cellular and Wireless
All models

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; speeds up to 1.2 Gbps
Simultaneous dual band
Bluetooth 5.0
Wi-Fi + Cellular models

Model A2589:
5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79)4
FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71)
TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
Data only5
Wi-Fi calling4
eSIM6

UK Spec

Code:

Mobile and Wireless
All models

802.11ax Wi‑Fi 6; simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz); HT80 with MIMO
Bluetooth 5.0 technology
Wi‑Fi + Cellular models

Model A2589:
5G NR (Bands n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n20, n25, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n71, n77, n78, n79)4
FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32 66, 71)
TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
Data only5
Wi‑Fi calling4
eSIM6

Interesting that the model numbers are identical. There looks to be zero difference, certainly in the WiFi + Cell specs

Reuben klang · 6 Mar 2023 at 20:51

Seen as it’s the same model number I’d suspect it would work.

I know the watches don’t work in the UK because of the different models.

Apple Watch - Network Providers

Apple Watch with cellular. Go with just your watch — make calls, get messages, stream music. See if Apple Watch works with networks in your country.

www.apple.com

1 version the US one works US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Mexico the other one works in the rest of the world.