iPad launches in 11 countries, subsidy offered in Japan

Apple today officially launched the iPad in 11 more countries, while SoftBank announced a steep subsidy on iPad 3G models in concert with multi-month contracts. Included in today’s launches are the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the previously announced South Korea, Sweden, and Taiwan. As Mac Rumors notes, pricing, retail distribution, and cellular data providers vary from country to country; interested customers should check with Apple to find out more information regarding availability. In addition, SoftBank is now offering a new pricing plan (Translated Link) which makes the 16GB 3G model free with a 24 month contract; customers must agree to pay 4,725 yen, or roughly $56, monthly for 3G service, with the 32GB and 64GB 3G models adding 400 and 790 yen to the monthly cost, respectively. [via Engadget]