I probably should have waited until after the iPad was revealed to post about Apple’s new invention. That’s because now that we know how much it will cost, there’s a lot more about this thing that will affect your bottom line than how much one newspaper subscription costs.

Whatever you think about it’s moniker, the iPad looks pretty cool. It’s not perfect by any means, and I’m not going to rush out and buy one, but we may all have one (or a version of it) down the road.

However, it’s not going to be cheap. Let’s look at the prices. These are all American dollars — it’s still unclear how much it’ll cost in Canada, but it’s safe to say it’ll be around the same price.

There are three models the 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB and two ways you can get it, with WiFi only or with WiFi and 3G (so it runs on a cell phone network when you’re away from a wireless Internet connection).

WiFi only WiFi + 3G
16 GB $499 $629
32 GB $599 $729
64 GB $699 $829

Now, there’s no reason to get the WiFi only option. Yes, there are arguments to made for no 3G, but if you want to get the most out of this device you’ll be surfing the web, downloading content and viewing movies everywhere you go. So pick a size. I’ll go with 32 GB for this example.

If you purchase the 3G unit, you’ll have to get a data plan. In the States, Apple’s teamed up with AT&T to offer a $14.99 plan for 250 MB or a $29.99 plan for unlimited data. I use about 500 MB of data on my iPhone a month, so let’s go with the unlimited plan. (The price could very well be higher in Canada — this country is notorious for its high cell phone rates.)

The iPad does come with a virtual keyboard, but if you want something more familiar, you’ll have to buy an external one. A wireless Apple keyboard, that will likely connect via Bluetooth, is $69. (Other wireless keyboards vary in price.)

You’ll need a case for sure. Something this thin with a screen this big will easily get scratched. These can run anywhere from $20 to $40 or higher. We’ll go with the mid-range carrying case at about $30.

If you want to plug a USB chord into the iPad you’ll need to buy an adaptor. That could cost about $35 from Apple.

When that’s all said and done, you’ll actually want to use the thing. That means purchasing apps, (music too, but for this example we’ll assume you’re just going to transfer your CDs or existing downloads to the iPad), which could run anywhere from $0.99 to $100. Let’s say you buy five apps at $2.99.

So far we’re up to $908.00 American.