iPad To Start Shipping April 3; Preorders Start March 12

Apple has announced that the iPad will ship in April, writing that the device will 'be available in the US on Saturday, April 3, for Wi-Fi models and in late April for Wi-Fi + 3G models. In addition, all models of iPad will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.' Consumers will be able to pre-order their units starting March 12th, with pick-up at Apple retail stores.

Apple has clarified that iBooks will be available as a free download at the first date of shipping from App Store. If it proves successful on the iPad, keep your eyes open for a potentially similar distribution move via iTunes for Macintosh software.

Time to form a line outside the Apple store is near approaching, hopefully the weather will cooperate.