mobileu.co.uk

iPad pre-orders now open in US

From today, customers in the US may place their order for the highly anticipated iPad, which is due to be released officially in the country on 3 April. Pre-orders for the new device in the range of 50,000 have been estimated by analysts.

News of the iPad launch was first announced to the public in January and the new product has generated massive interest and buzz. Like the iPhone, the iPad will operate almost completely via a touch-screen interface, although a docking station with keyboard will also be available for purchase.

The current pre-release and 3 April release is for the US market only and is for the WiFi-enabled model. Apple has stated that it will launch the device in the UK later in April and also make 3G models available.

It has been announced that the iPad will come with a replaceable battery, a monthly contract and a button to lock automatic screen rotation, which will be welcome to anyone who has tried to read an iPhone screen while lying down. Apple has also announced that the new device will have a VoiceOver function, so that it will be able to read aloud whatever the current application is displaying, including eBooks.