Pre-orders for new iPad sold out

There's no shortage of demand for Apple's new iPad. According to reports by USA Today, pre-orders for the popular tablet have sold out.

While iPads will be available in stores March 16, the earliest date pre-orders will now be delivered is March 19.

A recent report by Computer World says delays can be expected worldwide. Orders in the US and Canada will ship on March 19. Australians can expect a ship date of March 22, while France, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom will all be delayed for up to three weeks.

“Customer response to the new iPad has been off the charts and the quantity available for pre-order has been purchased," Apple said in a statement. Orders can still be placed on the website, however.

The demand is no surprising. As with most other Apple product launches, hype leading up to the new iPad was immense. When the iPhone 4S launched in Oct. 2011, pre-orders surpassed one million units in the first 24-hours. Last year's iPad 2 sold out on the first day it was available for purchase.