Apple's iPad to hit market on April 3

Apple Inc. has announced that iPad, its much-anticipated tablet computer, will hit stores beginning from April 3.

Beginning from March 12, U.S. customers can pre-order all the iPad models on Apple's website or reserve Wi-Fi version of the product to pick up at an Apple retail store on April 3.

All iPad models will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and British in late April, Apple said in a press release, adding that the product " will ship in additional countries later this year."

Apple unveiled the iPad on Jan. 27 this year.

Featuring a 9.7-inch touch screen, iPad can let users perform various tasks including browsing the web, watching videos, playing games and reading eBooks.