iPad 3G now shipping by May 7

For all of you holding out for the 3G-enabled version of the Apple iPad, mark your calendars for Friday, May 7th as that is now when they are expected to ship.

While some iPad 3Gs already ordered will ship by the end of April, Apple has updated their online store with a May 7 ship date for pre-orders made from here on out. That's exactly three days before the rest of the world will be able to get their first chance at an iPad on Monday, May 10.

Apple shipped 500,000 Wi-Fi only versions during the first week of the iPad launch earlier this month. They might not sell as many of the Wi-Fi + 3G editions this time due to all the unforeseen bugs and security issues that have popped up since April 3rd.  There's also the option for a 3G contract with AT&T, which some might find to be a nuisance while others might be enticed into signing up for another plan.

But there are many consumers still holding out for a 3G edition, and with the international release only a few days later, it's sure to be a busy and profitable week for Apple - unless that nasty Icelandic volcano prevents them from getting to Europe.