Apple has announced that the WiFi model of the iPad will be available in stores on April 3, and that the company will begin taking preorders for the device on March 12. Apple also said that the 3G model will be available in late April.

The company originally announced that the WiFi iPad would ship in late March, missing its self-imposed deadline by a few days. Still, a Saturday release will be good for those who plan to make an event out of the launch. (Don't pretend it didn't cross your mind! I've waited in enough lines with Apple fanatics to know better.) In addition to the 3G model, the WiFi model will also become available to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK in late April.