Apple has issued a formal statement announcing the launch of the iPad. 

In the statement, the company has confirmed that the much anticipated tablet device shall be available in the Apple Stores as well as "most" Best Buy stores, select authorized Apple resellers and campus bookstores starting April 3 at 9:00 AM.

As announced earlier, only the Wi-Fi models shall be available for purchase at the moment with the Wi-Fi + 3G models expected to be made available in "late April". Speaking about the launch, Steve Jobs said:

“iPad connects users with their apps and content in a far more intimate and fun way than ever before. We can’t wait for users to get their hands and fingers on it this weekend.”

Interestingly, Apple has also announced that the Apple Stores shall concurrently be hosting special iPad workshops starting next week to help Apple customers learn more about the device. Besides this, Cupertino has also offered a free "Personal Setup Service" for customers purchasing the iPad from Apple Stores. This will include helping customers in setting up their email accounts, loading their favorite apps from the App Store, etc.

Apple's media statement has not elaborated on the delivery date for customers who have pre-ordered a device. However, as we had noted earlier in the day, shipping of these devices has already begun though UPS is expected to hold the delivery of the devices until the end of this week.

Apple has also published a series of guided tours, which feature some of iPad features such as Safari, Mail, Photos, Videos, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, iBooks, Keynote, Pages, Numbers etc.

Have a look at the videos and let us know if you found any interesting in the comments. 

[via Apple]