Sprint to get its own iPad?

News of an Apple iPhone for Sprint has been making the rounds online. But now there’s new news about an iPad for the Sprint data network.

It could happen before the Xmas shopping season.

In the beginning, there was just Apple iPhone and AT&T. And iPad was added to the mix. Pretty cozy.

Then Apple knighted Verizon Wireless with its own iPhone and iPad.

No. 3 carrier Sprint’s day has arrived. A Sprint iPhone is expected by Oct. 7—though it could be a bit later. Pre-orders for the phone may be taken by the end of September.

9to5 Mac has reported that a version of iPad “appears ready and waiting for launch” for Sprint’s data network.

MobileBeat pointed out that the timing could make sense: “It wouldn’t be too surprising to see the iPad on Sprint once it does get the iPhone. When the Verizon iPhone was officially announced earlier this year, the carrier was quick to confirm that it would be offering iPads compatible with its network as well.”

Mark Gurman said in 9to5Mac that a Sprint iPad could be good news for consumers: “What’s perhaps most enticing about the Sprint iPad (besides the possibility of 4G) is that Sprint is a lot more generous with its data plans, perhaps offering iPad users once again a truly unlimited data option.”

Leslie Horn said in PC Magazine that is unclear whether the iPad will run on Sprint’s 4G WiMAX network.

Devindra Hardawar said in MobileBeat: “Intriguingly, 9to5Mac notes that the Sprint version of the iPad will be completely different from the Verizon model, even though both networks use the same CDMA standard. Apple could potentially be eyeing a 4G WiMAX version of the iPad exclusively for Sprint, notes the site, though I doubt that’s the case. Sprint’s WiMAX network is looking dated these days, and Apple would be better off spending time developing a 4G LTE iPad, which would be supported on more carriers worldwide.”

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