iPad Camera Connection Kit Now A $100+ Commodity
June 4, 2010
While U.S. buyers are slowly finding it less difficult to find iPads in stock, the same cannot be said for two official iPad accessories. Both the “official” iPad case and camera connection kit are unavailable at the Apple online store for at least 3-4 weeks. Of course, eBay sellers are offering both accessories for immediate availability, but it comes at quite a price.
Currently, the $29 iPad case is selling for upwards to $90 on the auction site and no, that often times does not include shipping costs which can add anywhere between $5 and $20 to the already inflated price. Buyers of the camera connection kit are finding eBay pricing even worse. While the kit sells for just $29 with free shipping from Apple, on eBay the prices range from $40 to $150, plus shipping. And to make matters worst, some of these kits aren’t even new but rather “slightly used” or “open-box.” Even at Amazon.com through its list of resellers, kit prices are highly inflated. A quick search for the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit on Amazon.com lists 15 new kits available, but with prices ranging from $80.99 to $132.95 plus shipping. Two used kits listed are $70 each, plus the shipping. For buyers that don’t necessarily want an “official” case, hundreds of resellers are offering their own types of cases for various prices, with new ones being released each week. However, for those only interested in a camera connection kit, Apple’s version is the only game in town for now. Most likely, once Apple ramps up its production schedule, both the case and camera connection kit will be available within 24 hours at the official rates, if you are willing to wait. Already for example, the iPad Keyboard is available for immediate shipment for $69.