Does where you buy an iPad matter?

No real or permanent difference. If you buy in one you probably will have to reset the international setting. In some places (USA) the 3G iPad comes with a SIM and others it does not.

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but I'm also hesitant to create a new one by the same name... (sorry if you feel slighted Andy Lawrence or lllaass )

There are several retailers within a short drive that have the iPad in stock. And though it'd take triple the time, it's not an unreasonable drive to reach an official Apple store.

Does it make any difference if I get it at Apple or another retailer? Would the Apple store refer me to the original retailer if I find any issues? What about exchange or returns?

Bruce.

Message was edited by: Bruce Bourdon

The warranty comes from Apple, not from the retailer.

Andy...

IF the iPad has not yet been released in the UAE, there MIGHT be a warranty issue. I do not know but you should check it out.

We have two iPads at our house. One was purchased on launch day at the Apple Store, and the other was purchased after the 3G launch at our local Best Buy store. I get the same Genius Bar treatment and support regardless of which device I am talking about. I have had the same success with my MBP 15, which was purchased at Best Buy, but has been serviced at my local Apple Store.

But it is usually only valid in the country of purchase due to trade agreements, etc.

That's the kind of situation that I'm suggesting but I have no personal experience.

But it is usually only valid in the country of purchase due to trade agreements, etc.

No.
Apple warranties for all portable products are valid world wide, regardless of country of purchase.
-> One (1) Year Limited Warranty - Worldwide
(2nd to last paragraph)
"If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide. "

Actually no, it is valid worldwide for 1 year, but the product can only be serviced under warranty in the region where it was purchased. This was told by the Genius bar people and Apple reps just a few weeks ago (I was in Oregon) as many Canadians had attempted to buy Apple products in the states cheaper (since Canadian dollars are pretty much par now), especially in states like Oregon where there's no tax!

Unless this has changed recently?

Andy,

If an Apple product is purchased in the country of origin (let's make US an example), then it does not matter where you buy it (Apple store), Best Buy or Radio Shack, you need to take it back to the Apple for warranty service. However, what's unclear is with warranty service if you bought it from another country and import it. If you read the Apple store restrictions, they do not allow exporting of an Apple item from one country to another (At least that's Apple Canada stores policy). What you are doing is becoming an exporter. There are a lot of instances where some Asian people are buying up 3 to 4 iPads and then playing to bring them back home to China. I was told that there is no warranty coverage on products bought from another country. The product has a 1 year worldwide coverage, not 1 year international warranty. This was made clear by an Apple rep. To Canadians, this is not a problem. Hop over the border and you get your warranty honored. Gas and some stuff are cheaper anyhow over the border too!

the product can only be serviced under warranty in the region where it was purchased. This was told by the Genius bar people and Apple reps just a few weeks ago

The Genius bar people and the Apple reps were incorrect.
If in doubt, ask them to show in writing where they are getting this info from.

Unless this has changed recently?

It was changed like +2 years ago when Apple changed the warranty for portable devices (as shown in the link I posted above).

"If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power *cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide*. "

In the UK your contract is with the reseller NOT Apple and any issue should go to the retainer who under UK law MUST deal with your issues. It does not take away from the manufacturers warranty but the retailer is the person who has to resolve the issue for you.