Kiwis have to wait for Apple iPad

Apple have confirmed a July New Zealand release for the much-hyped iPad.

The company is launching the touchscreen tablet on May 28 in Australia and eight other countries but it won't be available in New Zealand for several more weeks.

Prices for the iPad in Australia will range from A$629 ($782) to A$1049 ($1304) depending on model.

Apple will announce availability, pricing and pre-order plans for New Zealand at a later date.

The iPad was launched in the United States on April 3, with sales quickly topping a million.

One buyer bought three so he could film himself destroying one and post the footage on YouTube. Another turned it into a skateboard.

It's already available in New Zealand through selected parallel importers, such as online store Tosh Computers, which is selling the devices from $949.

The May 28 launch will be the first time the device is officially sold outside America. Aussies will be able to pre-order the iPad from tomorrow.