After what seemed like an eternity, today sees the UK launch of the most eagerly awaited gadget for years, the Apple iPad.
For those of you who've already purchased a 3G iPad, and are lucky enough to have it already in your hands, you're also going to need a micro SIM and a 3G Data Plan to get going. Fortunately, the data plans are easier to get hold of than the iPad itself, and the tariffs are based on a pay per data usage basis, rather than a contract. Full details can also be found here
 
Apple iPad 3G Data Plans

Getting hold of an iPad today, however, is not as simple as it may seem. Unless you pre ordered your new iPad from Apple in the first batch that became available earlier in the month, when your shiny new device should be arriving today, you either face an extremely long queue or expect to be disappointed.

It seems strange that you can visit your local Apple store (albeit the queues will be massive) and pickup an iPad today, yet if you pre Ordered through Apple, the exclusive Preorder retailer, and didn't manage to get in the first batch you've got to wait at least another 10 days to get your iPad. The authorised resellers don't appear to have emerged, so it's likely they will not be selling until Apple have caught up with their backlog. This is likely to cause frustration and disappointment amongst UK gadget fans, as clearly there was evidence from the US launch that demand in the UK was going to be huge.

Ordering your iPad online for a change is likely to prove just as difficult, however, for an up to date iPad price comparison service

Apple iPad Price Comparison

gives details of all UK online stock availability and prices. 

If you don't already have an iPad, and aren't prepared to wait for stock levels to improve, there are still places to get hold of one, but most of these are US imports so expect to pay a premium. However, if you get a 3G iPad, be it from the UK or an import, the data plans required are the same and you'll need to decide the most suitable UK plan for you from Vodafone, Orange or O2.