Interest in Apple's new iPad tablet device is high in the US, with an impressive level of sales recorded since it was made available to pre-order.

According to estimates from CNN, nearly 125,000 orders for the system were made on the first day alone, which highlights how excited consumers are by the new tablet technology.

Figures also revealed that consumers currently prefer the Wi-Fi-only version of the system to its Wi-Fi and 3G-enabled alternative, while all of the 16, 32 and 64GB models are equally popular.

The statistics may make interested reading for mobile broadband providers in the UK, who are currently thought to be in discussions to offer the iPad as part of their bundled deals.

News of the popularity of the iPad has come after Apple revealed it is launching a battery replacement service for the system.

The battery included in the tablet device will be changed for a service fee.