iPad is ready for launch but UK has to wait

Apple's iPad tablet computer will hit the shelves in the UK in late April, almost a month after US users will be able to get their hands on the company's latest device,

The company said that the iPad will be available on April 3 in the US at a cost of $499 (£332) for the most basic model.

But there were still no official details of UK pricing for the 9.7-inch touchscreen tablet, which is designed to surf the web, play video and games, and read digital books.

Apple announced that the US will get Wi-Fi versions of the highly-anticipated product on April 3 but will also have to wait to later in April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. The UK launch will involve the full range of models.

Chief Executive Steve Jobs unveiled the iPad in late January in a blaze of publicity. The company is seeking to revolutionise computing by creating a new market for mobile devices in between the laptop and the smartphone.

In addition to the UK, the device will go on sale in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland in late April. The launch dates are slightly later than expected.

Rumours that the launch of the device could be pushed back to late April have been gathering pace online over recent weeks with speculation that the company's Taiwanese partner, Foxconn, which manufactures Apple's products, was struggling to produce enough iPads to match Apple's launch expectations.

“The iPad is something completely new,” Mr Jobs said. “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.

Investors agreed and Apple shares rose 3.1 per cent in early trading on the Nasdaq to $217.20, an all-time high for the stock.

Newspaper, magazine and book publishers and an army of software developers are rushing to produce applications for the new device which will be available through the iTunes online store.

Apple said its new iBooks app for the iPad includes Apple’s new iBookstore. The iBookstore will feature bestsellers from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster.

In the US AT&T, the exclusive US carrier for the iPhone, will provide wireless connections for the iPad. But there are no carrier details for the UK yet.

US consumers will be able to go to Apple's website to pre-order both the Wi-Fi-only model and the version with 3G and Wi-Fi or reserve a device to pick up at a store on April 3.

Apple said that an iBooks application for iPad would be available as a free download on April 3.

Pricing in the US starts at $499 for the Wi-Fi only, entry level model. Reports suggest that the UK pricing might start at around £389.