Prices of Apple iPad in the Philippines

James Ryan Jonas

I’ve said it before: I want a touchscreen tablet PC for Christmas.

A few weeks ago, I was this close to buying an Apple iPad after comparing the three most popular touchscreen tablet PCs: the Apple iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the Toshiba Folio 100.

The Toshiba Folio is not in the Philippines yet so it’s out of the picture. I’ve seen the Samsung Galaxy Tab and, although it looks uber-cool and super-sleek, I don’t like it’s small display screen.

The Galaxy Tab is small in size to the point that you can comfortably hold it using only one hand. I tried it in one of the stores at SM North Edsa and it’s indeed easy to carry.

But I’m not really looking for something compact and lightweight. I want a tablet PC with a screen big enough so I won’t have to stare closely at the display. I don’t want to strain my eyes since I’m online at least 12 hours a day. That’s the reason why I don’t like netbooks such as Asus Eee PC or Acer Aspire One.

Which means my touchscreen PC choice is now down to just one: the iPad. I visited several Apple stores and the official prices are as follows:

Apple iPad with WI-FI

  • 16 GB – Php 23,990.00
  • 32 GB – Php 28,990.00
  • 64 GB – Php 33,990.00

Apple iPad with WI-FI + 3G

  • 16 GB – Php 30,990.00
  • 32 GB – Php 35,990.00
  • 64 GB – Php 40,990.00

Now, I’m not sure if the iPad is really worth this price.

Not just that. I was also turned off by the presence of only one USB port. Yup, the iPad has only 1 USB port. What if I want to simultaneously download pictures from my camera, use the printer, and attach a keyboard? Oh yeah, if I want to use an external keyboard, I’ll have to buy it separately for Php 3,390.00.

I’m also not sure if the iPad has it now, but I read before that the iPad does not support Adobe Flash. How then can I watch YouTube videos or play Flash games?

Would you or would you not buy an iPad? Post below!

Oh and by the way, a Very Awesome Christmas and a Magnificient New Year to all! Ho ho ho! 🙂

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James Ryan Jonas teaches business management, investments, and entrepreneurship at the University of the Philippines (UP). He is also the Executive Director of UP Provident Fund Inc., managing and investing P3.2 Billion ($56.4 Million) worth of retirement funds on behalf of thousands of UP employees.