Apple opens up iPad pre-orders

US consumers begin online queue for tablet.

Apple has officially opened up pre-ordering for its iPad tablet system.

Consumers can now place their pre-orders for the highly-anticipated device, which is scheduled for an official release on 3 April. Analyst estimates have placed early sales as high as 50,000 pre-orders.

The initial release would be limited to the US and only the Wi-Fi-enabled model. The company has said that 3G-equipped models and UK availability will be arriving later in the month.

First announced in January, the iPad has generated more buzz than any Apple product release since the iPhone. Like the handset, the iPad will operate almost exclusively on a touch screen interface, though a keyboard-equipped docking station will also be offered.

When it does arrive, the iPad could face stiff competition in the market from several competing tablets. Asus and HP have already unveiled prototype tablets, while Google and Dell are rumoured to be working on tablet models of their own.