iPad hits Walmart on Friday October 15

Walmart has confirmed that it will be offering Apple's iPad tablet from Friday this week, the latest big-name retailer to carry the 9.7-inch slate after Best Buy and Target.  The roll-out will cover several hundred Walmart stores initially, before being broadened to around 2,300 stores by mid-November.  However, don't go down there expecting a bargain.

That's because Walmart says it will be offering the various iPad models at the same prices that Apple itself does – and the same prices that Target and Best Buy are sticking to – so there's no chance of a discount.  Online orders will also be supported, but only for in-store pickup.