Consumers should be able to get hold of Apple's new iPad tablet device by the end of April, Apple has suggested.

The company has revealed that while people in the US will be able to buy the system from April 3rd, both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models are set to be launched on these shores later that month.

It has been suggested that some broadband providers in the UK are interested in offering the device, which is set to retail in the US for $499 (£328), as part of their internet bundles.

TechRadar recently claimed that TalkTalk is potentially interested in adding the tablet to its own portfolio.

Steve Jobs, Chief Executive Officer at Apple, said: "iPad is something completely new.

"We're excited for customers to get their hands on this magical and revolutionary product and connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before."