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Aussies rage at 'strings attached' iPad sales

Electronics chain denies illegal bundling

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Aussie iPad buyers are raging at an electronics chain they claimed refused to sell them the fondle slabs unless they bought a bag load of superfluous accessories too.

JB Hi-Fi has had to publicly affirm it had no such policy, and has offered refunds to any buyers who feel they have been stuck with redundant kit.

iPad coveters who bought their devices from some branches of JB Hi-Fi have hit the net down under to complain that sales assistants told them they could not buy the device without buying screen protectors, docking stations or other electro-fluff, including Telstra Sims.

They were variously told the restriction was "company policy" or Apple-imposed policy.

Others claimed they were told they needed to buy power supplies - Apple includes a power adapter in the box.

Any such restrictions would contravene Australia's consumer laws.

Alongside JB Hi-Fi's denial, Apple has denied it imposed any such restriction. Telstra too has said there was no lock-in between its network and the iPad.

JB Hi-Fi's boss Terry Smart told the Sydney Morning Herald that he couldn't say for sure whether it was the actions of a few overzealous staff, but that the firm would address the problem.

It would refund any unwanted goodies, he said.

In the meantime, disgruntled buyers have filed complaints with the consumer authorities. No one appears to have given back their iPads - or to have opted not to buy in the first place, despite the alleged arm-twisting. ®
