iPad launched in US

Technology fans from around the world have flocked to shops in the US to buy the new Apple iPad.

The tablet-style device can read electronic books, play videos and run a myriad of other applications.

It has no physical keyboard, but sports an accelerometer, which lets gamers tilt the device to control what's happening on the screen.

For now, Apple is selling versions of the iPad that can only connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi. Versions that also have a cellular data connection will be available by the end of the month.

Many companies have tried to sell tablet computers before, but none have caught on with mainstream consumers.

Apple will need to convince people who may already have smart phones, laptops, set-top boxes and home broadband connections to buy yet another Internet-capable device with many of the same functions.