Apple announces iPad on sale in US on April 3, Australian launch in late April

Tech giant Apple has announced its long-awaited iPad tablet will hit shelves on April 3 in the United States, with nine international markets, including Australia, set to receive the device just a few weeks later.

The announcement seemingly confirms a rumour posted on to the internet recently which suggested the iPad would be released to the public later than expected.

No release date or pricing details have been announced for the Australian launch.
Additionally, eight other countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and Britain have been told they will receive the device late next month but have no idea of pricing details, which are set to be announced shortly before launch.

In contrast, US customers will be able to pre-order both the Wi-Fi and 3G models from Apple’s online store starting from next week, March 12. The Wi-Fi models will retail for $US499 for 16GB, $US599 for 32GB and $US699 for 64GB, with the 3G models to sell for $US629 for 16GB, $US729 for 32GB and $US829 for 64GB.

Australian customers could expect similar pricing, however, Apple regularly increases its costs for international markets above exchange rates.

“iPad is something completely new,” Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said in a statement over the weekend. “We’re excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.”

The tech industry has been awaiting the launch of the Apple tablet for some time with rumours having circulated the industry for years. While some analysts have panned the iPad already for lacking features seen in rival tablets, others are eagerly awaiting the launch, saying it could be another bit hit for Apple following the success of the iPod and iPhone.

The gadget itself features a 10-inch screen, is 0.5 inches thick and allows users to run apps already available on the App Store, along with functionality for new apps designed specifically for the device.

The development community has said it is eagerly awaiting the launch of the gadget, which will allow companies thriving on the popularity of apps to create bigger and more powerful programs.

The iPad appears like an over-sized iPhone or iPod Touch, featuring a large touch-screen and a “home” button.

The gadget includes dedicated apps including Google Maps, Mail, Calendar and YouTube with HD support, along with iTunes and Safari apps. At the official announcement, chief executive Steve Jobs displayed a number of dedicated apps for the iPad, including a version of the New York Times.

Several other publications have said they will be developing specific versions for the iPad, including tech magazine Wired.

However, one of the biggest drawing cards of the device is the official Apple bookstore and eReader app, iBooks. The company hopes to take on Amazon and Barnes & Noble with its new venture, which will allow Apple customers to browse and read books using their existing iTunes and App Store accounts.

The company has partnered with major publishers including Penguin, Macmillan, HarperCollins, Hachett and Simon & Schuster to bring books to the store.

Apple has said it will announce pricing details for international launches in April.