Apple will begin to distribute material from self-published authors in their iBookstore on the iPad and when the iPhone O.S 4.0 is released, the iPhone and iPod Touch as well.

Self-publishing has been steadily moving away from it’s stigmatized beginnings as being the route to authorship for the talentless and vain to the point where it is commanding respect from the big publishing companies. Many of whom use the self-publishing market as a cost-free testing ground for the best authors, looking for those who sell and then signing them up. This is obviously a huge incentive for those looking to publish.  Up to this point, the route for those looking to self-publish would be to use a print-on-demand service (which is becoming increasingly prevalent), enlisting the help of a self-publishing company who command fees of around $1000 or to self-publish an ebook. Now there is a fourth option, to publish an iBook.

Authors will be able to have their books published on the iBookstore without the need for an agent or publisher. It appears as if Apple is following on from it’s successful App Store model in which virtually anyone with an idea can be successful. Apple is allowing authors near total control with writers being able to set prices and global distribution locations for their work, much like they do with developers for the App Store. What isn’t clear at this point is whether Apple will carry over the model of taking 30% of the profits as they use in the App Store. Another point of uncertainty is whether there will be a reviewal process of any kind and if so, how strict will it be? Apple has come under pressure due to it’s app reviewal process, some describing it as totalitarian in nature. The guidelines set out by Apple stipulate the book be in EPUB 1.0.5 format and have an ISBN. They also state that payments will only be made once an author has sold a certain amount of books; Apple has not stated what this amount is as of yet.

It is hard to know at this point how this move will pan out. Will the iBookstore be filled with the half-hearted attempts of those with a slow Saturday afternoon? Will Apple operate a stringent reviewal process? Or will those who are genuinely talented who have been given a chance to shine be successful and championed? I for one hope so.

[Submit iBooks > iTunes Connect]

With an estimated 120,000 iPad pre-orders on the first day alone, it wasn’t surprising to learn that Apple has sold out iPad reservations online. In addition to that, customers that are just now pre-ordering a Wi-Fi iPad won’t get theirs shipped until April 12th. WiFi iPad Pre-orders taken before today is still on scheduled to ship out on the 3rd and 3G versions late April.

I think we can expect long lines at the Apple Stores for the iPad Launch.

Apparently, App Annie has some early screenshots of the “actual iPad feed for the app store”, showing some of the iPad Apps that will be available for download at launch.

And it appears that the “HD” moniker is not used by all iPad-only games. To distinguish apps as only for iPad,  the early iPad app developers are using monikers like: for iPad, Elite, XL, HD, Deluxe, Real, etc.

The leaked screenshots also revealed how early developers are pricing their iPad Edition apps vs their iPhone/iPod Touch counterparts. In most cases, the prices of the iPad-only apps are bumped up from the iPhone pricing, which came as no surprise at all.

• Labyrinth 2 HD – $7.99 | Labyrinth 2 – $4.99
• Pianist Pro – $9.99 | Pianist – $3.99
• Enigmo Deluxe – $9.99 | Enigmo 2 – $2.99
• Sparkle HD – $2.99 | Sparkle the Game – $2.99
• Flight Control HD – $4.99 | Flight control – $0.99
• (iPad) WeatherBug Elite – $4.99 | WeatherBug Elite – $0.99
• Ammoin HD – $0.99 | Ammoin – $0.99
• TML XL – $9.99 | TML – $9.99
• Otto Matic for iPad – $9.99 | Otto Matic – $3.99
• Cro-Mag Rally for iPad – $9.99 | Cro-Mag Rally  - $2.99
• Nanosaur 2 for iPad – $9.99 | Nanosaur 2 – $3.99

[App Annie]

Screen Shots After the break.

When Apple announced the iPad in January, the ‘iPad’ trademark was already snagged up by Fujitsu, the company has a device used in retail establishments and has been around since 2002 that’s also called the iPad.

Days after the announcement, Fujitsu was reportedly preparing to begin litigation or settlement terms with Apple for the iPad TM. It looks like Apple has negotiated with Fujitsu with some sort of deal and the company now officially owns “iPad”.

The Instapaper Blog has posted a preview of the iPad Instapaper app that is hopefully launching with the first batch of iPad Apps. If you don’t know what Instapaper is, it’s an app that lets users save a webpage for offline viewing, with many other features on the paid version of the app.

iPhone or iPod Touch users that already purchased Instapaper Pro will have available the iPad Edition of the app synced to the iPad from iTunes when its released, just like the rest of your app collection.

The iPad Version of the app really just “looks like Instapaper Pro, but bigger, and with slight interface tweaks and redesigns where appropriate.”

After the break for 2 more screenshots of the iPad Instapaper app.

For those who pre-ordered the iPad keyboard dock, 10W USB power adapter and/or the official iPad case, there will be a delay in the ship date for these 3 particular iPad accessories.

The $69 keyboard dock and the $29 USB power adapter that was originally scheduled for a April launch has been pushed back to ‘sometime’ in May. And as for the the iPad Case, which was suppose to start shipping on April 3rd along with the WiFi iPads, has been delayed to mid-April.

As of now, the iPad Dock and dock connector to VGA adapter is still on track for the April 3 release.

Also checkout our iPad Accessories Store for iPad Cases, screen protector, headphones, cables and more!

As we slide closer to the iPad Launch on the 3rd of April, Apple started displaying iPad promo materials in Apple Stores when the pre-orders began 2 days ago.

[via Kohichi]

Dead iPad battery? Worry not, Apple will gladly replace your whole iPad for a new one (or maybe refurbished):

If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.

Where as if an iPhone has a dead battery, only the battery gets swiped out:

If your iPhone requires service only because the battery’s ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, Apple will service your iPhone for a service fee.

The iPad Replacement service will run users $106.

The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.

All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax.

And you’ll have to backup your data with iTunes before sending in your iPad for a replacement:

No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.

Battery Replacement Service – iPad: Frequently Asked Questions

What is iPad Battery Replacement Service?

If your iPad requires service due to the battery’s diminished ability to hold an electrical charge, Apple will replace your iPad for a service fee.

Note: Your iPad is not eligible for Battery Replacement Service if the product has been damaged, for example, as result of an accident, liquid contact, disassembly, unauthorized service or unauthorized modifications, or if the product is not operating correctly as a result of a component failure. Please review Apple’s Repair Terms and Conditions for further details.

How much does it cost?

The service costs $99, plus $6.95 shipping. The total cost is $105.95 per unit.

All fees are in U.S. dollars and are subject to local tax.

How do I arrange iPad Battery Replacement Service?

Battery replacement service may be arranged via your local Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or you can contact Apple Technical Support. Please do not send any accessories with your iPad.

Will the data on my iPad be preserved?

No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.

How long will it take to receive my replacement iPad?

If you arrange service by calling Apple Technical Support, you can expect service to be completed within approximately one week from the time you send your iPad to Apple.

As Apple opens the flood gate on pre-orders for early iPad adaptors, new iPad tidbits emerges and questions answered.

New Button on the iPad: Screen Orientation Lock

Apple has exchanged what used to be the mute button on the iPad to a new button called “Screen Orientation Lock”. So you can lock the iPad screen in either portrait or landscape mode.

Apple Submits iPad to the FCC

Like with most of Apple’s FCC fillings, FCC revealed nothing on the iPad before the pre-orders started yesterday.

FCC (1),(2)

Model A1337 or also known as the iPad was tested by FCC and spotted to carry WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth and the 3G Models will run on AT&T, GSM 850/1900 and UMTS 850/1900.

3G iPads are slightly larger

We know that the 3G version of iPad is 0.1 pound heavier than the WiFi-only iPad, but Interestingly enough, the FCC filling reveals that the 3G iPad is also 0.3mm taller and 0.1mm wider.

iPad AppleCare Protection Plan

AppleCare for their iPad protection plan extends only to 2 years like the iPhone and iPod.

Limited iPad pre-orders and pickup time

Apple has limited iPad pre-orders to 2 per customer. Customers can pick up their iPad at 9 am to 3 pm on April 3rd.

iBooks Synchronization

iBooks will be able to sync non-DRM ePub titles from iTunes.

More details to come.

Update: Through some digging, 9to5Mac has found that there are some new gestures coming to the iPad/iPhone and Apple has removed references to video call/chat.