iPad Date Announced to World - US First

The long awaited launch date for the Apple iPad has been revealed. From 3rd of April, Apple fans in the US will be able to get their hands on the new device. However, the first batch of iPads will have only WiFi connectivity - the 3G and WiFi combined versions will not be able until later in the month. Apple says it will allow pre-ordering of its iPads to begin on the 12th of March in America. For those hoping to buy an iPad in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, the wait will only be a few weeks more - Apple says they will make all versions of the iPad available in these countries by the end of April.

The 1.27cm thick iPad, is described as a device for browsing the web, reading and sending e-mail, and using media such as photos, videos, music, games and e-books. It will feature a multi-touch display and will run almost all of the apps currently available in the App Store. A WiFi only device in the US will cost US$499 for the 16GB version and US$699 for the 32GB model. The addition of 3G connectivity will up the price to US$629 for the 16GB model and US$729 for the 32GB version.

Meanwhile, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has told shareholders that he expects new iPad users to connect to the internet mainly via WiFi and not use his own company's cellular network. As a result he does not believe the iPad launch will drive a host of new customers to take out AT&T mobile data subscriptions.

Speaking to investors he said "My expectation is that there's not going to be a lot of people out there looking for another subscription." He added that he thought the device will be a mainly "WiFi driven product."