Apple Launches Free Engraving on iPads

As expected, Apple has begun to custom-engrave new iPads just in time for the holiday shopping season. Along with the free engraving service, iPads can be shipped to a gift recipient in a signature Apple gift box along with a personalized greeting card. iPads are now shipping within 24 hours from the online Apple Store, although engraving will delay shipment to 1-3 days.

The text of your choice will be laser engraved directly on the aluminum back of the iPad, above the Apple logo and near the top edge of the iPad. The message can be two lines of up to 35 characters each. Apple has offered the service on its products since 2002, when they initially charged $49 to engrave the 10 GB iPod.

Entering text on the order page of Apple's website will preview the message on a photograph of the iPad to simulate how engraving will look on the finished product. Apple reviews the text prior to engraving and will reject your message if the text doesn't meet the company's standards. Apple has no interest in marking its products with anything controversial, however local jewelers can engrave iPads if you're looking to get around the review process.

Custom messages on the backs of iPods and iPads can personalize your device or label it with contact information in the event of a loss. Only problem is that if you plan to sell the iPad at a future date, the engraving can't be removed. Engraved iPads also cannot be returned to Apple after purchase. Cases and other accessories can also hide the engraving since it's located on the back of the iPad.

Apple hasn't offered any engraving on the iPad until now, with demand far outstripping supply for months, the service would have delayed shipping even further on initial orders for the product. Wait times for the iPad were at least a week in the US even months after launch. Apple has sold over 7.5 million iPads since launching the product earlier this year. The 2010 holiday season could boost Apple's iPad sales above the previous quarterly record of 4.2 million units.