One of the new features of Apple's new iPad is 4G LTE connectivity, which will be compatible with both AT&T and Verizon here in the U.S. when the new slate launches on the 16th. Many had expected Sprint to join in on the iPad fun after the Now Network began offering the iPhone 4 and 4S last year, but the carrier was noticeably absent from Wednesday's happenings. Anyone hoping for a Sprint iPad may not want to give up hope for the device just yet, though, as it seems that a product marked "Sprint iPad" has popped up in Best Buy's systems. The inventory screen also shows "Sprint PCS" next to all of the listings.

It's kind of a bummer that there was no Sprint iPad announced by Apple earlier this week, but the fact that the carrier doesn't yet have an up-and-running LTE network like AT&T and Verizon may have had something to do with that. Of course, there's no guarantee that we'll see an iPad hit Sprint once its LTE network launches later this year (or ever), but as Engadget notes, an LTE iPad could make for a nice addition to Sprint's roster once its new 4G coverage does go live. Any of you think you'd be interested in picking up a new iPad on Sprint?

Via Engadget