Apple posts pre-order form for iPad

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 12 (UPI) -- The online Apple Store posted a pre-order notice Friday for the iPad, the California technology firm's entry into the digital-reader market.

CNN reported the Apple Store -- presumably so technicians could prepare for the pre-order offer -- was briefly taken off line with a digital sticky note that said, "back soon."

The store, however, came back online and was taking orders by 8:30 a.m., for April 3 deliveries.

Consumers could have the device Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs called "magical and revolutionary" in their hands in three weeks. Sooner than that, however, industry analysts will be able to look at the numbers and assess whether Apple has produced another trendsetter or not.