Pre-Ordered iPads To Ship Late

UK Apple fans who want to pre-order an iPad will be disappointed to hear that the company will ship the device over a week after its official launch.

The 'magical' iPad tablet computer, whose release has already been delayed once due to excessive demand in the US, has been scheduled for a UK-wide launch on 28 May.

According to Apple's UK online store pre-ordered iPads will now be shipped to customers by 7 June.

The reason being cited by market analysts for the delay is that the number of purchase requests has exceeded the pre-ordering limit for the UK, and Apple needs the extra time to fulfil orders.

Online auction site eBay currently lists a number of Apple iPads, put on sale by sellers looking to profit from the shortage in supply.

It has also been reported that customers using the Wi-Fi version of the iPad are trying to sell their devices in the hope of purchasing the newer 3G version.