New iPad 3G Shipments Delayed

The drama over iPad availability continues with word that some pre-orders for the iPad 3G won’t be arriving on doorsteps until May 7, according to ship dates currently found in the Apple Store online. The new date reportedly applies only to new pre-orders, and will not affect those who have already pre-ordered the iPad 3G and are expecting delivery later this month, according to Cult of Mac. But it’s not clear whether those of you who were hoping to line up without a pre-order for an iPad 3G may be waiting just a little bit longer to pick up your new device.

iPad Delays

This is the second time the iPad has been officially delayed, and presumably the delay is once again due to the device’s popularity. Earlier this month, Apple announced that it had to delay the international launch of the iPad until the end of May due to unexpected demand in the United States. Currently, international customers will be able to pre-order the device beginning May 10–three days after the current U.S. shipping deadline for new iPad 3G orders.

Although Apple is reportedly confirming that the first round of U.S. iPad 3G shipments will arrive in late April, Cupertino has not yet announced when exactly iPad 3G shipments will begin. The company also hasn’t said when the iPad 3G will be available at retail locations such as the Apple Store and Best Buy.

It should also be noted that Apple’s online store says current iPad 3G pre-orders will ship “by May 7” (click on the image to read the fine print!) and not “on May 7,” which suggests that new orders in the U.S. could arrive before the May 7 deadline. Regardless, it’s likely that if you haven’t yet ordered an iPad 3G, you probably won’t be able to get your hands on one until at least the beginning of next month.

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