Associated Press | Apple Inc.’s iPad tablet computer hits U.S. shelves on Saturday, but fans who want the new touch-screen gadget shipped directly to them must wait a week.

The company began taking preorders for the iPad on March 12, promising to get the device to eager buyers by its store launch date of April 3. Customers who placed pre-orders by March 27 will receive the device by that date, where Saturday delivery is available, but Apple said Sunday that new pre-orders won’t be shipped out until April 12.

The Cupertino, Calif.-company declined to give a reason for the
shipping delay, but said would-be customers can still pre-order the
iPad for in-store pickup on April 3, or purchase the device in stores
that day.

The iPads going on sale will connect to Wi-Fi networks only and cost $499, $599 or $699, depending on the data storage capacity.

Versions that also can connect to “3G” cellular networks are expected
to go on sale in late April for $629, $729 or $829. International
releases also are planned for later in April.