CNETAnalysis: Apple for weeks refused to commit to a release date for the WiFi + Cellular version of the iPad mini . Not that that affected sales too much – the Cupertino company revealed in early November that it sold 3 million iPad minis and fourth-generation iPads in the first week. But on Tuesday a report claimed that the LTE iPad mini had finally begun being shipped to customers who pre-ordered it, and that it could arrive as early as Thursday, Nov. 15. Much ado about mini Much was made in the first half of November about the iPad mini and iPad 4′s ever-changing expected ship dates, but both tablets reportedly shipped this week – somewhat earlier than anticipated. The Wi-Fi + Cellular LTE models of both new Apple tablets were expected to arrive at some point between “mid-November,” according to Apple, and the week of Thanksgiving. Some customers even previously reported that Apple had given them expected arrival dates as late as Black Friday , though those dates were quickly replaced with “mid-November” again. Then, on Friday, Apple reportedly notified some customers that the iPad mini LTE models would ship within five business days , and based on Tuesday’s report it seems that the company kept that promise. The LTE-enabled iPad 4, meanwhile, will reportedly arrive by Friday as well. Doing the Apple dance The new iPad mini and iPad 4 became available for pre-order in late October. As with most new Apple products, the latest additions to the iPad family sold millions despite high price tags. The iPad 4 starts at $499 (UK£399, AUD$539) for the Wi-Fi version and $629 (UK£499, AUD$679) for the LTE version, with the most expensive model coming in at $829 (UK£659, AUD$899). The iPad mini, meanwhile, starts at $329 (UK£269, AUD$369) for the Wi-Fi only model and $459 (UK£369, AUD$509) for Wi-Fi + Cellular LTE, and goes up from there to $659 (UK£529, AUD$729) at the highest ! level. Related Stories Reports claim LTE iPad 4 ship date set for Friday Posted by: Maryum
