Apple’s latest marvel, the tablet PC called the iPad is now available for pre-order online. The official launch date of the much anticipated device is the 3^rd of April in the US. It is believed that more than 50,000 pre-orders of the iPad have been placed so far. Initially, the release will be limited to the US and will be available only with Wi-Fi. The planned 3G model will be available at the UK towards the end of April.

 

The Apple iPad, which was announced at the beginning of this year, has created a lot of buzz thanks to the run-away success of Apple’s successive hardware releases since the legendary iPod was available to the world at the turn of the last decade. Some analysts speculate the iPad will fall flat on its face because tablet PCs have never been popular to begin with.

 

Apple hopes the impressive specs of the iPad which include a large 9.7-inch multi-touch display and superb connectivity and processing power will turn the tides in its favour. And to further cement Apple’s confidence in their latest gizmo is a keyboard-equipped docking station that will make the transition for predominantly computer users to tablet PCs, easier.

 

Apple’s struggle ahead is complicated by competitors like Asus and HP who have already unveiled prototype tablets. It is also rumoured that Dell and Google are looking for a piece of the pie too as they silently work to develop a competing device to the iPad.