iPad shipping next month

The Wi-Fi iPad will be available in US on April 3, while all models of iPad will be available in the UK,  as well as in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain and Switzerland, in late April.

Beginning on March 12, US customers can pre-order both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store or reserve a Wi-Fi model to pick up onApril 3, at an Apple retail store.

“iPad is something completely new,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “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.”

Starting at $499, iPad lets users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and more. iPad is 0.5 inches thick and weighs 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) and delivers battery life of up to 10 hours depending on device settings, usage and other factors.

See more information about the iPad

International pricing will be announced in April. iPad will ship in additional countries later this year.The iBooks app for iPad including Apple’s iBookstore will be available as a free download from the App Store in the US on April 3, with additional countries added later this year.