Buy iPad

May 28 has been confirmed as the new launch date for the iPad in Australia. The iBooks store will also be ready for launch on this date.

Apple is now taking pre orders for the device which has been eagerly awaited here in Australia since its successful launch in the US last month. Australian pricing for the device will range from $629 up to $1049.

The iBook store will allow users to purchase and download ebooks, making the iPad a direct competitor with the Amazon Kindle.

The delayed international launch date for the iPad was caused by an unexpected demand for the device in the US. In the first 28 days of release, Apple has sold over 1 million units.

Some Australian users have managed to get their hands on the Wifi only version of the device by purchasing through eBay in the US. Both the Wifi only and Wifi + 3G models will be available here on launch on May 28.

Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom will be the first countries outside the US to gain access to the iPad. Several other countries, including New Zealand and Hong Kong, will have to wait until July to get their hands on it.

Major carriers including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and 3 Mobile will offer iPad plans.

Australian iPad pricing:

• 16GB Wi-Fi: $629
• 32GB Wi-Fi: $759
• 64GB Wi-Fi: $879
• 16GB Wi-Fi and 3G: $799
• 32GB Wi-Fi and 3G: $928
• 64GB Wi-Fi and 3G: $1049