Apple sells 300,000 iPads in first day

Apple is reporting upwards of 300,000 iPads sold on the tablet system's first day of availability.

The company said that the US release of the Wi-Fi enabled tablet saw customers lined up outside Apple stores in major cities, a scene reminiscent of the 2007 debut of the iPhone.

The big initial sales had not been wholly unexpected. The company reported heavy interest in pre-orders, and said that customers wishing to reserve a new model would not receive their iPads until later this month.

In addition to solid hardware sales, Apple said that customers were showing a healthy interest in downloading and purchasing software for the device.

"It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world. It's going to be a game changer," predicted Apple co-founder and chief executive Steve Jobs.

"iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad."

Not everything about the release went smoothly, however. Shortly after the first iPads hit the street, users began to report overheating issues.

According to multiple early user reviews, using the device in direct sunlight on warmer days can cause the casing to heat up to over 90F (32C), causing the iPad to shut down to avoid heat damage.

The issue of Apple kit overheating is not new. The early Macbook Pro notebooks were particularly notorious for becoming uncomfortably hot when placed directly on the user's lap.