Consumer Electronics | 3:36 March 08, 2010 | Sam Andrews | Print this story

Apple's iPad set for an April launch

Apple’s iPad tablet computer is slated to go on sale in the US on April 3 and “late April” in the UK and elsewhere, according to the company’s websites.

US consumers will pay $499 for the basic model and will be able to pre-order the device from March 12. No price has been announced for international customers, but Macworld magazine has suggested that the fall in the value of sterling could suggest a basic price of £400.

Apple also also held back the identity of the mobile network companies that will provide connectivity for the more expensive iPad systems, which have 3G data sims built in.

The iPad comes in two basic forms: one with Wi-Fi wireless connectivity and one with both Wi-Fi and 3G mobile connectivity. Apple said the Wi-Fi-only version will be available on 3 April, with the 3G model on sale in “late April”.