Retailers will be bringing a new focus to developing their iPad app with the news that Apple has sold a million iPads in the US in just 28 days.

The tablet computer is currently scheduled for a late May launch in the UK, and Apple has released some statistics that will give retailers pause for thought.

So far US iPad users have downloaded more than 12 million apps from the App Store and more than 1.5 million ebooks from the new iBookstore.

So far more than 5,000 apps have been created specifically for the iPad, which will also run the 200,000-plus apps that have been created for the iPhone.

The iPad is widely seen as a new category of computing hardware. It’s larger than a smartphone, yet smaller than a laptop or netbook, weighing 1.5lbs and 0.5ins thick. And it’s fast creating a new market.

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs pointed out that the machine, which is widely seen as a new category of IT hardware in itself, had sold faster than the iPhone did.

“One million iPads in 28 days – that’s less than half the 74 days it took to achieve this milestone with iPhone,” said Jobs. “Demand continues to exceed supply and we’re working hard to get this magical product into the hands of even more customers.”

Our view: I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve told me they want an iPad – even though they see no real need for one. After all, if they have a smartphone and a laptop, why would they need the iPad? But evidently many share their desire to have it regardless – and Apple has now sold a million iPads in the US alone, beating the iPhone for speed of take-up. Clearly the iPhone has built the market, but it’s a market that’s likely to be strong in the UK as well, where the iPad is now scheduled for a late May launch. So, is your iPad app ready yet?

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