Apple iPad 3G order to ship in US days before international debut

Amidst widespread demand for the first versions of the device, Apple has given a new shipping date for the US release of the 3G iPad model.

The company's web site states that new orders in the US will be arriving on 7 May, three days before the device is set to open for pre-sale internationally. Previously-placed orders are still reportedly on track to ship in late April.

The 3G iPad will be the first to support wireless broadband connections. The device will cost between US$629 and US$829 along with a data fee for the 3G connection. The company has said that it will be giving international pricing on 10 May when pre-orders open.

When the iPad was originally unveiled, Apple set a timeline in which the Wi-Fi only device went on sale in early April. The 3G versions of the device were set to debut in late April, as was the start of international availability.

Soon after the device debuted, however, the company reported stronger than expected sales which had created a shortage and lead to the delay of shipments for new orders and postponement of international releases.