Apple Store Gets Ready to Take Orders for iPads

Apple's US online store is currently being updated, ahead of opening for pre-orders of iPads. Lucky US punters can sign up to pre-order the giant Jesusphones from 5.30AM Pacific Time.

Photo: Apple Store Gets Ready to Take Orders for iPads

The actual device should be ready for collection from retail stores on 3 April - although a legal disclaimer on the site warns it still has to be certified by the Federal Communications Commission, The Register reports.

While details are still scarce, TidBits managed to snag the elusive details from Apple about the timing of the pre-order. As of Friday morning, you'll be able to log on to Apple online store and place your order for the device, which goes on sale on April 3-assuming the company's site manages to withstand the possible onslaught of excited customers. Pre-ordering allows you to have an iPad delivered to your door or reserve one for pick up at your local Apple Store location on launch day.

Only the Wi-Fi model will be available for pre-order-the 3G-equipped version won't be available until late April. The Wi-FI models run $499 for 16GB, $599 for 32GB, and $699 for 64GB. International customers will also have to wait until later in April to order their iPads, PC World reports.

Customers who order one of three Wi-Fi versions of the device, either for home delivery or store pickup, will receive it on April 3, spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said in an interview. That’s the same day the iPad goes on sale in Apple’s U.S. stores.

Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs has described the iPad as a new category of device that falls between smartphones and low-priced netbook computers. It has a 9.7-inch (25-centimeter) touch screen and can serve up Web pages, e-mail, music, videos, electronic books and iPhone applications. Apple said earlier this month that it would accept pre-orders beginning today, Bloomberg informs.