Apple cuts iPad 1 price

Apple has quietly slashed its first generation iPad prices by at least $180 in Australia only a day after unveiling version two of the tablet device.

Similar discounts were also applied to the device in North America and Britain.

In Australia, the iPad had originally cost $629 for the 16 GB Wi-Fi only version, but according to Apple’s website, the entry level device now cost $449, representing a $180 reduction.

Previously, retailer Big W had offered the biggest discount on the iPad 1 base model, dropping the price to $598. The retailer's price chart gives an indication of the level of discounts that have been applied by Apple overnight.

For example, the original price for the 64GB 3G and Wi-Fi iPad 1 device in Australia dropped over $200 from $1049 to $839.  

Media in the US and UK have also reported overnight discounts by Apple. The entry level 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad costs US$399 in the US and £329 in the UK. 

Assuming Apple doesn’t face the same supply constraints that delayed the Australian launch of the first iPad, Apple’s iPad 2 should to hit Australian stores before the end of March.

The company planned to announce prices for the iPad 2 in non-US markets “at a later date”.