Buying Guide: iPad Air 2 release date: where can I get it?

Apple has just announced the iPad Air 2, and it comes with a number of improvements over last year's iPad Air.

It's got a new A8X chip that's been created by Apple specially for the tablet, granting the iPad Air 2 40% faster CPU performance, with 2.5 times better graphics.

It also comes with Touch ID, letting you unlock the tablet and pay for products using your fingerprint, as well as a new 8MP iSight camera with a f/2.4 aperture plus 1080p video recording and 720p slo-mode video capabilities.

Most impressive of all, these new features have all been fitted into a body that's just 6.1mm thick, making the iPad Air 2 the world's thinnest tablet.

• Read our hands on: iPad Air 2 review

You can already pre-order, with the iPad Air 2 release date set for the week commencing October 20. So where can you get one from, and how much will it set you back?

Apple

If you want to buy an iPad Air 2 without a contract prices start at £399 on Apple's own site for the 16GB Wi-Fi only model, with 64GB of internal storage priced at £479 and 128GB costing £559.

If you want the 4G iPad Air 2 then you'll need to put down £499 for the 16GB version, £579 for 64GB and £659 for the 128GB version. You'll also need to get yourself a data SIM deal from the network of your choice, which adds extra cost to this model.

EE

EE was quick to announce that it will be offering the iPad Air 2, with both the Wi-Fi and cellular versions being made available later this month, though no exact date was given.

The iPad Air 2 will be sold with a range of 4G data plans, and further information about prices and when pre-orders will go live will be announced soon. Until then you can keep an eye on EE's website for any updates.

Three

Three is also offering the new iPad Air 2. It hasn't announced details on the prices or contracts that will be offered along with the latest Apple tablet or when pre-orders will go live.

However, we have been told that the contracts that will be available for the iPad Air 2 will include 4G at no extra cost, along with data use in 16 countries abroad with no additional costs.

O2

O2 has announced that it will offer the iPad Air 2 later in October.

All versions of the iPad Air 2 will be offered on the O2 Refresh tariff, which will offer 4G data to O2 customers.

You can get an iPad Air 2 16GB for £35 upfront and then £34 per month for 24 months. This tariff includes 3GB of data.

There are other tariffs available and you can pre-order now from the O2 website.

Vodafone

Vodafone has confirmed that it will be offering the iPad Air 2 cellular version with its contracts later this month, with the network revealing both this and the iPad mini 3 will be "coming soon."

More information will be announced later about how customers can get their hands on the latest Apple tablet on the Vodafone website.

Currys/PC World

Currys and PC World are taking iPad Air 2 pre-orders right now, with an expected shipping date of October 24.

Prices mirror those on Apple's site, there's no cut price deals here.

from Techradar - All the latest technology news http://ift.tt/1y0MY4W