Apple has just loosed details about a slip in the launch date of the iPad (after rumours hit last week that it would) from the previously mentioned March release, to a now firm April 3rd target in the US, with it hitting internationally later that month.

Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek stated earlier in the week that problems at the manufacturer of the device could see it moving to an April release, and although this analysis was widely panned across the net, it turns out he was absolutely spot on.

Those lucky-devils in the US who want to get their name down for a device can pre-order starting from the 12th March (a week today), where they can sit and wait for the launch for either the WiFi or WiFi + 3G device at home, or arrange for a WiFi only device to be reserved at a local store (WiFi + 3G models will be released later down the line).

Still no UK or other international pricing, but at least the delay gives people another month to save up for when it eventually comes out here.

[Apple PR]