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Apple Sets April 3 for iPad Debut
Apple Inc. said Friday the first models of its highly anticipated iPad tablet computer will be available in U.S. stores on April 3, slightly later than originally planned.
Also, the version capable of accessing both wireless networks and AT&T Inc.'s 3G mobile-phone network will be available in late April. At that time, both models will be available in countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the U.K.
The company said U.S. customers can preorder either model starting March 12.
The iPad is a multimedia, Internet-enabled slate computer that could fuel the next leg of growth at the consumer-electronics giant. It can be used to browse the Web, read email and books and play games.
Since its debut for the media in late January, the iPad has been the subject of speculation about production delays. At that time of the unveiling, the company said the product would be available "in late March."
However, Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek said this week Apple might have to delay or limit the size of the launch because of an ``unspecified production problem.'' Mr. Misek said Apple's Taiwan-based supplier, Hon Hai Precision, could be facing a production bottleneck or a shortage of components.
Mr. Misek said he didn't expect the delay to affect sales of the iPad during Apple's fiscal third quarter, which ends in June. He estimates Apple will sell 550,000 iPads during the period and 1.2 million in fiscal 2010.
Investors shrugged off the delay, and Apple shares jumped $6.31, or 3%, to $217.02, a record high.
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