I share your grief. But since there's nothing we can really do to change the world now, I just wondered whether you know how to get access to the US iTunes Store without the credit card? You do know, right?
You'll have to tell me. Do tell. But, even then I can't actually "buy" books. Which is sort of the point, right?
I just don't agree with pre-emptive complaints. What if Apple does announce their international plans before then?
Preemptive? Hardly. If history and Apple have thought me anything it's if they were going to bring iBooks to other markets (in the next month or so) Apple would be shouting about it.
I'll get the 3G plan as long as it has no-contract. If it's 2 years like their USB sticks, then I'll pass.
I only want the 3G for summer.
Agreed. I only need 3G for a few weeks in the summer, and only a 250MB one few weeks, otherwise I have not found a location yet that I'd use the iPad in that I can't get WiFi.
I'm having this argument, err, "discussion" on another forum. I've conceded that there is a (slim) possibility that Rogers and Bell might offer decent pricing, similar to AT&Ts ... let's say they're generous and offer CDN$15.99/mo/250MB and CDN$35/mo/5GB pricing. That's fine.
But here's the catch ... and it will make all of us Canucks furious ...
These will be three year contract plan prices.
The likelihood that either Rogers or Bell will offer a no-contract data plan is as ridiculous as the idea that the Leafs will ever win the Stanley Cup again in my lifetime (I am old enough to remember the last one). I have to chuckle when anyone metions they think that will happen. There is no way they will offer no-contract, sign up and cancel on a whim, month-to-month via the device here in Canada. No way whatsoever.
The CRTC is nothing but a lapdog for Rogers and Bell and will do nothing to make them move towards something resembling modern data plans and forward-thinking ideas about how people want to use the Internet. Hell, the CRTC hasn't rewritten the regulations for the Net since 1996, and based those rules on 1960s telephone regulations and technology.
That's why there isn't yet a hint of pricing on their sites. They know how furious iPad fans up here in Canada are going to be when they announce them. And Apple doesn't want that negative publicity before the big US launch.
I would love to be proven wrong but I am too familiar with both companies management and their greed to believe that's ever going to happen. Ever. Sigh.
P.S. And the bone they threw out recently about tethering to your iPhone was just that. A bone. A distraction from what's coming.
My instinctive response is to agree. Unfortunately, history with Canadian wireless carriers says you are correct. My hope though is that Apple will apply some pressure to ensure that no contracts are required. The rate will be too high but at least we can use on a per need basis. But, I fear it will be as you said.
My instinctive response is to agree. Unfortunately, history with Canadian wireless carriers says you are correct. My hope though is that Apple will apply some pressure to ensure that no contracts are required. The rate will be too high but at least we can use on a per need basis. But, I fear it will be as you said.
Sasktel (crown corporation for those of you not in the know - government run cellphone) should be getting 3g right away and they might have a non-monthly. This would be sask-only however.
Question - what kind of sim the 3G version is going to use? If it is going to be a standard spanning more than one device (and more than one manufacturer), chances are you will be able to buy a cheaper data plan from any carrier anywhere in the world, on condition that you use it with a jailbroken iPad of course ...
Preemptive? Hardly. If history and Apple have thought me anything it's if they were going to bring iBooks to other markets (in the next month or so) Apple would be shouting about it.
Not really. They don't like to paint themselves into a corner. What if they pre-announced it, then couldn't strike a deal in time? Apple is best known for being secretive. They generally don't announce products until they are ready to ship them. We won't hear about their iBooks plans until they strike a deal, even if they are targeting availability at launch. i would also like to know though.
Comments
I share your grief. But since there's nothing we can really do to change the world now, I just wondered whether you know how to get access to the US iTunes Store without the credit card? You do know, right?
You'll have to tell me. Do tell. But, even then I can't actually "buy" books. Which is sort of the point, right?
I just don't agree with pre-emptive complaints. What if Apple does announce their international plans before then?
Preemptive? Hardly. If history and Apple have thought me anything it's if they were going to bring iBooks to other markets (in the next month or so) Apple would be shouting about it.
Edit: I do understand the frustration with not knowing when iBooks will be coming though.
Finally, empathy.
I'll get the 3G plan as long as it has no-contract. If it's 2 years like their USB sticks, then I'll pass.
I only want the 3G for summer.
Agreed. I only need 3G for a few weeks in the summer, and only a 250MB one few weeks, otherwise I have not found a location yet that I'd use the iPad in that I can't get WiFi.
Oh no, Apple is doomed!
I'm having this argument, err, "discussion" on another forum. I've conceded that there is a (slim) possibility that Rogers and Bell might offer decent pricing, similar to AT&Ts ... let's say they're generous and offer CDN$15.99/mo/250MB and CDN$35/mo/5GB pricing. That's fine.
But here's the catch ... and it will make all of us Canucks furious ...
These will be three year contract plan prices.
The likelihood that either Rogers or Bell will offer a no-contract data plan is as ridiculous as the idea that the Leafs will ever win the Stanley Cup again in my lifetime (I am old enough to remember the last one). I have to chuckle when anyone metions they think that will happen. There is no way they will offer no-contract, sign up and cancel on a whim, month-to-month via the device here in Canada. No way whatsoever.
The CRTC is nothing but a lapdog for Rogers and Bell and will do nothing to make them move towards something resembling modern data plans and forward-thinking ideas about how people want to use the Internet. Hell, the CRTC hasn't rewritten the regulations for the Net since 1996, and based those rules on 1960s telephone regulations and technology.
That's why there isn't yet a hint of pricing on their sites. They know how furious iPad fans up here in Canada are going to be when they announce them. And Apple doesn't want that negative publicity before the big US launch.
I would love to be proven wrong but I am too familiar with both companies management and their greed to believe that's ever going to happen. Ever. Sigh.
P.S. And the bone they threw out recently about tethering to your iPhone was just that. A bone. A distraction from what's coming.
My instinctive response is to agree. Unfortunately, history with Canadian wireless carriers says you are correct. My hope though is that Apple will apply some pressure to ensure that no contracts are required. The rate will be too high but at least we can use on a per need basis. But, I fear it will be as you said.
My instinctive response is to agree. Unfortunately, history with Canadian wireless carriers says you are correct. My hope though is that Apple will apply some pressure to ensure that no contracts are required. The rate will be too high but at least we can use on a per need basis. But, I fear it will be as you said.
Sasktel (crown corporation for those of you not in the know - government run cellphone) should be getting 3g right away and they might have a non-monthly. This would be sask-only however.
Canadian Cell Phone providership is a joke!
Preemptive? Hardly. If history and Apple have thought me anything it's if they were going to bring iBooks to other markets (in the next month or so) Apple would be shouting about it.
Not really. They don't like to paint themselves into a corner. What if they pre-announced it, then couldn't strike a deal in time? Apple is best known for being secretive. They generally don't announce products until they are ready to ship them. We won't hear about their iBooks plans until they strike a deal, even if they are targeting availability at launch. i would also like to know though.