Apple announced yesterday that it’ll sell the first WiFi iPad models on April 3, thus ending many weeks of speculations regarding the launch date. The 3G versions will be released later in the same month, according to CNN, quoting the Cupertino giant. Customers will have the chance of pre-ordering the tablet via Apple’s online store on March 12.

We remind you that the iPad was unveiled on January 27, during a special Apple event in San Francisco and some consider it the “missing link” between smartphones and laptops. However, some were disappointed by the 10 inch gadget, saying it’s an oversized iPod touch with better connectivity and a newer OS.

Prices for the device start at $499, for the 16GB version with WiFi only, while the 32GB one will retail for $599 and the 64GB one for $699. The iPad will also reach the following countries in late April: Spain, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

[via CNN]