Apple's 3G iPad will go on sale on Friday, 30 April, the company has just said.

This will, of course, come as no relief to UK buyers, who won't get their mitts on the thing - or on the Wi-Fi only model - until the end of May.

Punters Stateside will have to wait until 5pm on the big day before they can get one across the counter, though folk who have already ordered on should receive it earlier that day, Apple said.

Apple will announce UK pricing for all six iPad models on 10 May, and begin taking advance orders on the same day. ®