Just one moment, please: No iPad pricing info for UK customers

As computer manufacturer Apple launches its iPad tablet PC to thunderous publicity in the U.S., UK Apple fans will simply have to keep waiting: The company has declined to release any pricing or specific availability information for the device's sale in Britain.

The iPad will start at US$499 - or a little over £300 - for a basic model with no 3G connectivity, but the price can increase up to US$829, or £514, for a fully equipped 3G version with expanded storage.

According to MacWorld UK, the lower-end versions device will be released in Britain "within 30 days", and the more fully featured editions will follow within 30 more. No official pricing info is available but, the website predicts that the devices will cost anywhere from £388 to £693.

The Guardian reports that the major tech news websites were divided in their opinions of the new device. Some have lauded the iPad's streamlined presentation and clever design, but others have been less than impressed, saying that Apple set expectations too high for the new device.