Victor Meldrew

Hello,

is it possible to buy iPad 3 in Dubai? if so where is the best place to get them and how do prices compare to UK (I am going back to UK over Easter)

Thanks
Victor

auzdafluff

Apple aren't part of the VAT refund scheme. You could try PC World/Currys who are, but whether they have them in stock or not will be a different story.

The only reason I'd wait till the UK is to get the VAT back (would be about 15% once you take into account the retailer's processing fee). So on the base £399 (AED 2325) model (16GB, WiFi), you'd get it for around £350 (AED 2040).

However, there's a glut of them in Dubai because too many idiots though they could gouge the market by charging 3-4 times the price. What has ended up happening though is that they're no selling them at a loss.

You can pick on up from JadoPado (who are absolutely amazing, and one of the best kept online shopping secrets here) for AED 2199.

So the question is, would you rather wait and (potentially) save AED 150 and miss out on the opportunity to use it on the plane over there, or not?

Victor Meldrew

Thanks for the info. Jado Pado looks a good deal. probably not worth waiting just to save 150 aed (£25?).

Looks like Jado Pado only have the base model though. The 32 GB and/or 4G option might be a better deal in real terms. Is this available in Dubai?

Millhouse

Given the lack of difference, why not just buy the ipad2 and pocket the difference?

I've still to work out a use for these things - When combined with the docking station, mine has to be the most expensive kitchen radio ever.

Victor Meldrew

Kitchen Radio like it

That is also a concern of mine. I am only just looking into the possibility of buying one and the first stage is to work out realistically what I would use it for/how much I would use it.

I have a work colleague who has the iPad 2 who constantly raves about it, Perhaps I need to chat with him first .............

auzdafluff

Funnily enough, mine's one of the most expensive cook books around.

Robajob

Try www.expansys.ae

Purdey

If you buy from John Lewis (subject to stock availability) you get a 2 year warranty included and they do the VAT refund scheme if you buy from a store.

Millhouse

It could be worse I guess

http://www.wimp.com/dadipad/

scarletfanagain

[QUOTE=auzdafluff;9971544]Apple aren't part of the VAT refund scheme.

Only applies if you purchase online. Bought our Ipads last xmas from an Apple store in the UK who do issue the necessary paperwork you need to reclaim VAT.

Victor Meldrew

Brilliant. Thanks for all your help.

Autonomy

Just by the way - the 4G is not compatible with UAE networks - you'll only get 3G data at best here...

shiva

anyone know if this is actually 4g or 3.5g?

http://www.etisalat.ae/eportal/en/pe...-overview.html

and more importantly if it even works yet

Victor Meldrew

Probably a silly question:

I will probably end up buying one in UAE (can't be bothered with farting around to get VAT back

Prices are cheaper in UAE (comparison 16gb £362 in Dubai £399 in UK, 32 GB £448 in Dubai £479 in UK, 64 GB £482 in Dubai £559 in UK)

The general consensus seems to be that 4G isnt worth paying for at the moment as it doesnt work in UK and possibly not in Dubai yet.

Another question - sometimes electrical items sold in Dubai are a different spec than in Europe/UK. I am guessing that all Apple products have exactly the same spec whether they are bought in Dubai or UK.

Thanks again.

Robajob

Actually, I think there might be one or two differences with the software, there certainly is with the Iphone over here. I think facetime is missing on the GCC spec if memory serves. Try emailing Apple's customer service and see what they say.

Is there an owner of a fondleslab out there who can give us a definitive answer?