Apple Begins [Pre-Charging] iPad Orders for April 3?

Reader Paul tells Apple charged his credit card today for his iPad order, placed on the very first day of availability. We asked on Twitter and it looks like he wasn't alone.

Typically companies only begin processing order charges when they start shipping products. Does this mean the first set of iPad have commenced their journey from manufacturing for an April 3 delivery?

[No, turns out it just means Apple is doing a check and hold to make sure funds are available for them to charge when the device ships, though it will st

Did your card get processed? Wi-fi only or 3G as well?

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.