eBooks outsell hardcovers
This week Amazon announced that it is now selling more eBooks than 'actual' books, 143 ebooks for every 100 hardcovers. It has only been 2 years since Kindle was first launched and many people were ever so skeptical about reading books on a machine. The eReader has skyrocketed in popularity ever since. Although there is a wide selection of eReaders available now, you do not need to own one to read eBooks. Nook and Kindle both have apps for iPad, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, iPhone and Droid now, making it super easy to download away from the growing list of available eBooks.
How is easy is it to download books? With your own US billing address you download eBooks right onto your Nook or Kindle. How easy is that! The US Unlocked Card provides you with your own US billing address, get yours for only $10. All you need to do is make sure you have loaded enough funds onto the card and you are good to go.
Now that eReaders have become so affordable since the recent price reductions of Kindle and Nook, the switch to an eReader is a no-brainer even for those who said they would never go for it. What does this development mean for the sale of 'real' books? Barnes&Nobles announced Summer Sale of books with discounts ranging from 50-90% in an effort to get rid of dead stock of tens of thousands of books. With no real production of new books, can you imagine the amount of trees that will be saved?!
Gap shipping internationally, a closer look
Gap fans all over the world have begged Gap to start international shipping for years. The moment is finally here. If you live in one of the (nearly) 50 countries Gap is currently shipping to you are probably very excited. Now you can shop from Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Old Navy and Piperlime in your own currency and pre-pay for shipping, import duties and VAT.
Our shopping cart content
It all sounds pretty good. At US Unlocked we have taken a closer look at what international shipping through Gap entails. We filled up our shopping basket with the editor's pick of an oversized v-neck & legging, altogether 3 items of clothing (t-shirt, sweater, leggings). Then we looked up the shipping rate and delivery times to 4 different countries: Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Singapore and compared the results with the results of its 2lbs. weight shipped through US Unlocked to the same countries. This is what we found:
| Shipping To: | Gap
Cost/Delivery Time |
US Unlocked
Cost/Delivery Time |
| Switzerland | $ 64.60
9-15 days |
$ 55.70
3-5 days |
| Saudi Arabia | $ 86.98
9-15 days |
$ 65.14
3-5 days |
| Mexico | $ 49.88
9-15 days |
$ 41.42
3-5 days |
| Singapore | $52.21
10-19 days (!) |
$ 46.24
3-5 days |
The conclusion is that shipping to your country through Gap can be much more expensive and slower than having your purchases shipped through US Unlocked.
Here are a few more facts:
- Total number of countries Gap ships to is 46 and shipping to Europe and Canada is still to be rolled out.
- US Unlocked ships to over 240 countries
Although Gap is also one of our favorite stores, you might be shopping from different websites at the same time. US Unlocked's free re-packing and consolidation service helps you to save big bucks on the total cost of shipping.
Let us know what your thoughts are on Gap now shipping internationally!
(Also read on how to shop from popular US websites like Gap, Ralph Lauren, Macy's etc, click here)
Is it a tablet or a smart phone?
How about both?! While HP and Microsoft recently cancelled their much rumored tablet (resp. Slate and Courier), Dell is about to release its Streak in the US and is said to cost $500. The Streak's display is much smaller than the iPad's, but has an integrated camera, voice calling and.. (cover your ears, Steve Jobs) full support for Adobe Flash.
And then there is the integrated GPS with Google Maps turn-by- turn support and easy integration with all social media apps. The Streak runs on an Android platform with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and available 3G connectivity.
Sign up for the Streak pre-order started today. There is no news yet whether there will be any order restrictions like still with the iPad. Dell only ships to US addresses and accepts credit cards with US billing address only. Through the US Unlocked Card or our Personal Shopping service you might be the owner of this device this summer. Tablet, smart phone, GPS.... just the Streak!
“This changes everything. Again.” (iPhone 4 available to non-US customer?)
FaceTime: video calling through iChat
That is the tagline on Apple.com for the iPhone 4 to be released on June 24th.
We just (barely) recovered from the iPad fever! But, there is no denying that this phone is ground breaking, yes yet again.
The overal look is amazing thanks to specially engineered glass also used on helicopter making it less likely to be damaged. Revolutionary is FaceTime which enables video calling all while the image resolution is incredible. (click here for more techs and specs).The iPhone 4 will come in black and in white and will be available for pre-order to those in the US, UK, Japan, France and Germany beginning June 15th.
We can just about imagine the frenzy among the gadget crazed who live somewhere else. At US Unlocked the emails on the iPhone 4 started pouring in already.
The small print on the Apple website shatters the hope for many:
Requires new two-year AT&T wireless service contract, sold separately to qualified customers; credit check required; must be 18 or older. Existing AT&T customers who want to upgrade from another phone or replace an iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS should check with AT&T or use www.apple.com/iphone/buy. For those who are not eligible for an early upgrade or who wish to buy iPhone as a gift, the prices are $499 (8GB), $599 (16GB), or $699 (32GB). In CA, MA, and RI, sales tax is collected on the unbundled price of iPhone. Service may not be available in all areas or at the signal strength, rates, speeds, or bandwidth as demonstrated. Wi-Fi Internet access required for some features; broadband recommended; fees may apply. Some applications, features, and services are not available in all areas. Visit www.wireless.att.com to check AT&T network coverage in your area. iPhone is configured to work only with wireless service provided by AT&T. Warranty information available at www.apple.com/legal/warranty/iphone. When available, transferring your mobile number to a different service provider will terminate your service with your existing provider; termination fees and other charges may apply. Some features may require added fees. Contact your service provider for more details. Use constitutes acceptance of Apple’s software license agreement and third-party terms located in the iPhone box. Unauthorized modification of your iPhone software violates the software license agreement. Inability to use an iPhone due to unauthorized modifications is not covered under your warranty.
While from the above one might have a spark of hope reading about the option to buy the phone as a gift (so without the 2 year contract) the iPhone 4 is only available to those customers with a social security number (they need this to be able to run a credit check)... And then again the phone is locked to AT&T anyway so it will not work whith another (non-US) wireless service provider, although it will only be a matter of time before iPhone 4 jailbreaking tricks will surface.
Anyway, whoever goes to check the AT&T site to find out more about the iPhone 4 and the pre-order process gets this message: Pre-orders for iPhone temporarily suspended. This happened after customers pre-ordered 600,000 devices on the first day.
How to set up a Netflix account from outside the US
At US Unlocked we are big fans of Netflix. We love the ease of it, watching movies either on TV, laptop or iPad (even on the Wii or Xbox).
Netflix is currently only available to US customers since a US billing address is required. Fortunately, we have found a work around for the non-US customer, just as we did for iTunes. The difference is that Netflix does not accept debit card payments, so paying on Netflix with the US Unlocked Card will not work.
To work around Netflix:
- apply for the US Unlocked Card
- download Hotspot Shield
- go on Netflix while Hotspot Shield is connected
- set up your account using your own non-US credit card details but using the US billing address from the US Unlocked Card.
This has worked for many customers.
Please, be advised that we do not provide mail forwarding services and thus cannot send you actual movies. You can, however use Netflix to view movies on your computer.
Want to recommend a movie to your Facebook friends? Connect your Netflix account to Facebook!
If you have any questions please email us: info@usunlocked.com
The Private Sale at Barney’s
Save up to 40% at Barney's
If you have seen the latest Sex and the City movie, I am sure you have been fantasizing over all the designer apparel flashing before your eyes.
SATC's own Sarah Jessica Parker shops at Barney's, which she once called 'a decadent reward'.
Visiting Barney's on Madison Avenue truly is a treat every girl deserves in a lifetime. However shopping from their website can be just as exciting. Especially since they have a major sale going on with savings up to 40%!
Barney's only ships to US addresses and does not accept international credit cards. Alas! Fortunately, you can still become the proud owner of a pair of killer Manolo's, Lanvin or Marc Jacobs.
Just use the Personal shopping service of US Unlocked. Here's how it works:
Use our Personal Shopping service
Tell us what you want to buy and we send you a quote with a payment link.We shop for you
After we receive your payment we buy the items for you.And we ship to you!
When we receive your goods at our warehouse, we determine the international shipping cost. After your payment we ship your goods to you, re-packed and consolidated.Accessorize Your Device (iPad)
The iPad probably will go into the books as the most wanted gadget of this decade. Over 500,000 were said to have been sold in the US in the first week alone. Now, customers in 9 other countries are getting ready to own the desirable device when it launches on May 28th.
It has not been published how many iPad accessories have been shipped so far, but judging from the amounts we are shipping out every day to all parts of the world, Apple is cashing in big time!
The most popular iPad accessories by Apple are (in order of popularity):
- Dock, for syncing and charging
- Dock connector to VGA adapter, for watching movies and slideshows on a big screen (TV, projector etc)
- iPad case, doubles as a stand
- Keyboard
People are now accessorizing their iPad beyond the above essentials. Luckily, non-Apple accessories for the iPad are popping up like crazy. Like with the eReaders, the covers for iPad are very popular.
Incipio
Hard Candy Bubble Sleeve
On the go a lot and want to make sure your iPad and accessories are packed neatly, but in an 'airport security' friendly way too? Then the Incase Travel Kit Plus is your way to go for $59.95.
One thing is sure, the iPad is here to stay! Hopefully, Apple will lift the insanely strict order restrictions on the iPad in the US after the launch in UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Until then your best bet is still Amazon or Ebay.
These accessories sure make a great gift for the iPad loving graduate or dad (Father's Day!).
Accessorize Your Device (eReader)
A year ago, eReaders were something you'd read about in Wired or Newsweek. Recently, I was traveling to San Francisco
Accessorize your eReader
and was amazed to see how many people were reading from their Kindles, Nooks and what not. Owning an eReader has become completely normal and mainstream.
Judging from the amount of eReaders we ship daily through US Unlocked to locations all over the world, I should not have been surprised.
Tons of eReaders go through our warehouse all the time so it is easy to figure out what the top 3 is for overseas users:
1)Nook. By Barnes & Nobles
2)Daily Edition. By Sony
3)Entourage Edge. By Entourage
Were we first just shipping the devices themselves, now customers are accessorizing massively. Looking for a cover for your reader? The choices are ample.
Most brands are smart enough to have a their own line of covers and accessories. B&N even has names like Kate Spade and Jonathan Adler design covers for them and is launching the Lyra Book Light Case. The Lyra Book Light Case features LED illumination and pre-orders for $49.95.
Looking for a cover or accessory that is not necessarily of the brand of your eReader? Then Amazon is the place to be, the variety in style and pricing is endless.
M-Edge is a great brand that has covers and accessories mostly for the Kindle.
What else can you accessorize your eReader with? How about a booklight? The anti-glare technology of the devices make them hard to read from for example in bed. A handy light with adjustable arm helps overcome this problem. Still some glare or you just want to protect the screen? Get screen protector film, around $12-15 per set. Did we miss anything here? Rechargeable batteries, usb cable kit and adapters are the essentials for a long lasting reading experience at home or on the go.
And by the way: a new eReader is due to be launched in the US: the Kobo, pre-orders from Borders for $149.95.
All in all eReaders and their accessories also make great gifts. Just keep that in mind with graduations and Father's Day coming up!
Also read: How to order a Nook and download books from Barnes and Noble from outside the US
The latest news on the availability of the iPad
We at US Unlocked strive to keep you as updated as possible. Especially in regard to the iPad. Oh, how we all want it and oh, how it is so hard to get!
On April 14, we wrote:
IMPORTANT UPDATE!!
Currently, new orders placed with US Unlocked Card/billing address are being cancelled as Apple says they have had multiple orders from this billing address and shipping addressand they want to ensure that all customers are given equal opportunity to acquire thisproduct they have limited the amount available per customer. We will update as soon as we have a solution or this block seems to be lifted.
It looks like this is the result of today's announcement that the iPad launch in Europe and other countries is postponed until end of May due to the huge demand in the USA which has exhausted the stock.
Today, this is what is the latest update:
The iPad is as good as sold out in the entire USA. Although, we have had reports of order cancellations by Apple up until a week ago, some customers have successfully placed their orders recently with the US Unlocked Card and have received notification that the iPad has been shipped. At this point, it is hard to say why certain orders are cancelled and others are not. The main thing is to stick to the steps of the tutorial, always use Hotspot Shield (also when checking the status of the order) and order one unit only.
Amazon started selling the iPad as well through their sellers though at much steeper prices: starting at $619 for 16GB. It is no use to try and order from authorized Apple dealers as they have all had strict instructions to not ship the iPad to the so-called 'freight forwarders'.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact us at info@usunlocked.com.
Today, Apple announced that the iPad will be available at the end of May in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.
International pricing will be revealed on May 10, which is also when Apple will begin taking online pre-orders.
iPads delivered all over the world through US Unlocked
Picture posted on Twitter by @chels_
This Wednesday the first iPads shipped through US Unlocked were being delivered to their new and eager owners. These early adopters are in Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Singapore, France, Norway, Denmark, Hong Kong, Belgium, Japan and so on. It was a privilage working with them and we are delighted to read the first reviews on their blogs and websites and to see their enthusiastic tweets.
It looks like the iPad is going to cause a revolution in terms of how we will use technology from now on and after the first adapters more and more people are interesting in getting an iPad for themselves to see ‘what all the fuzz is about’.
When you go on the Apple.com website from your country you might get discouraged quite quickly. How on earth will you be able to order the iPad if:
A. Apple does not ship outside the US and
B. you need a US credit card to be able to order it.
Well, you can.
With US Unlocked and an iTunes account you can also become the proud owner of the Apple iPad. Here is how it works in a few easy steps. Make sure to also read the FAQ’s below.
Tutorial on how to order an iPad
1) Open an account with US Unlocked. It’s free!
2) Apply for the US Unlocked Card ($10)
3) Upload the necessary documents to receive the Accepted ID verification status
4) Load the card with the amount needed. The funds clear a few days later.
5) When the money is on the card, access Apple iTunes through a vpn connection.
6) Open a new account while registering your US Unlocked Card data and US billing address.
7) Start shopping and fill up your shipping cart.
8) Now get a US Unlocked Shipping address by registering your shipment on our Ship It page.
9) Use the US Unlocked shipping address and your iTunes account to complete the order.
10) We will receive the order for you and ship to you after the shipping cost are paid.
FAQ’s
What is the US Unlocked Card?
The US Unlocked Card is a virtual pre-paid Discover debit card with your own US billing address which you can use to pay on websites that only accept US creditcards. This card is managed by US Unlocked through the NXpay platform.
What is ID verification status?
To be able to load money on your card we first need to verify your identity and address to make sure we are in compliance with anti-fraud regulations. We ask you to upload a scan of a government issued ID as well as a recent utility bill or credit card/bank statement (preferably in English). When all documents are in order the Accepted status is awarded and you may load your card.
How much money do I need to load? Example for 1 iPad 16 GB
1) You will need to have enough balance on the card to cover the entire purchasing cost. $499 + 7% sales tax = $533.93 (free domestic shipping)
2) When registering your card to iTunes, Apple places a temporary hold on $51. You need to have a buffer of $51 extra on the card. You may want to use this money later to download from the iPad app store. $533.93 + $51 = $584.93
3) We recommend to load an extra $6 to cover the NXpay transaction and monthly maintenance fee. $584.93 + $6 = $590.93
How long does it take for the money to be on my card?
In general it takes 5-7 business days for the funds to clear. We try to move the funds as quickly as possible but we are depending on the speed of the banks.
What is a vpn connection?
A vpn connection or IP shield works like a tunnel and converts your IP address into a US IP address. Apple (and many other websites) monitor the IP locations of the visitors on their sit and block any non-US visitors from making a purchase.
How do I establish a vpn connection?
We recommend downloading the free software from Hotspot Shield. It has many more advantages, like secure online shopping and … Once you have downloaded the software, every time you go on the internet the IP shield will be up.
What is a US billing address?
A US billing address is the address in America that is registered to your credit or debit card. In an effort to diminish the risk of credit card fraud many US merchants only accept credit cards with a US billing address. Why do I need to register my order on your site?
How much are the shipping cost?
If you are only shipping an iPad, the weight of the package is 4lbs. You can look up the rate for that weight to your country on our rates page.
Why do I need to register my shipment?
By registering your shipment you will get your US Unlocked shipping address. This address has a reference number on the second address line, which helps us identify your package. When it arrives at our warehouse we already know all the details of the shipment
How do you ship?
We ship with UPS Expedited service and Saver service wherever Expedited is not available.
How soon will I have my iPad?
Your iPad ships out within one business day after we have received your payment for the shipping cost. It then takes 2-5 business days to arrive on your door step provided custom clearance is smooth.
Are there any other ways to by the iPad?
Some authorized dealers have started taking orders through the phone:MacConnection and MacMall. Amazon and Abt Electronics also expect to be selling the iPad, but so far no news on when this will happen. You will still need your US Unlocked Card with enough balance on it and a US Unlocked shipping address.
A word of caution: Sometimes the orders are cancelled with the message that Apple does not ship to freight forwarders. This happens randomly and not categorically, but we want to make sure you are aware.
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Recent Posts
- eBooks outsell hardcovers
- Gap shipping internationally, a closer look
- Is it a tablet or a smart phone?
- “This changes everything. Again.” (iPhone 4 available to non-US customer?)
- How to set up a Netflix account from outside the US
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US Unlocked
- eBooks outsell hardcovers
- Gap shipping internationally, a closer look
- Is it a tablet or a smart phone?
- “This changes everything. Again.” (iPhone 4 available to non-US customer?)
- How to set up a Netflix account from outside the US
- The Private Sale at Barney’s
- Accessorize Your Device (iPad)
- Accessorize Your Device (eReader)
- The latest news on the availability of the iPad
- iPads delivered all over the world through US Unlocked
