Apple begins promoting iPad

Apple has aired its first television commercial for the iPad, during the broadcast of the Oscars in the US, ahead of its launch next month.

The 30-second spot shows the iPad in use, and highlights many of the device’s built-in applications, including Photos, Maps, iTunes, iPod, Safari, Calendar, and Mail, along with iBooks, the iBookstore, and Pages.

The ad finishes by showing the device’s launch date followed by the iPad name; the spot also features the song “There Goes My Love” by The Blue Van throughout.

Apple will launch the iPad in the UK at the end of April, a month after its US launch, where it will be available in stores from April 3.

Both the Wi-Fi amd 3G models will be available and customers will be able to pre-order these from Apple’s online store or reserve to pick up at an Apple retail store from next month.

Starting at $499 (£332), the iPad will let users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read e-books and much more.

“iPad is something completely new,” says Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO.

“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.”