Vodafone will stock the Ipad 2

MOBILE OPERATOR Vodafone has joined the growing list of UK cellular networks that will stock Apple's Ipad 2 at its UK launch.

With just over a week to go before Apple's UK launch date of 25 March, Vodafone has weighed in with plans to flog the device online and in its stores.

The company has been reticent about releasing information on its pricing for the second coming of Steve Jobs' shiny drinks tray and its tariffs for the thing, but it has suggested its Ipad 2 rates will be "competitive".

Vodafone has added the device to its website, where users can sign up for updates in the lead up to the launch next week.

T-Mobile and Orange have already announced plans to offer Apple's slightly updated tablet, while O2 said it will not sell the device but will offer data packages for anyone who wants to use one on its network.

Apple released the Ipad 2 in the US on 11 March, making a two week gap before the UK release. It has already sold an estimated half a million Ipad 2 tablets in the US. But it still remains to be seen how successful Jobs' Mob's latest netbook without a keyboard will be in the UK. µ