News: iPad Preorders Set for April 3

In something that isn’t quite the norm for Apple, the company is offering the iPad for preorder. You can put in a preorder for the WiFi-only model and either have it shipped to you on that date for free or pick it up at an Apple Store. There’s a limit of two per customer, so eBayers may need to find a friend.

The 3G model is expected to ship later in April, and shipments varying around the world. Another change to the iPad is that there is now an orientation lock, rather than a mute switch, fixing an annoyance for many iPod touch/iPhone users, but possibly adding a new one.