Rumor: iPad Will Go on Sale March 26!

Apple hasn’t stated an official release date for its iPad, but rumors suggest the highly anticipated tablet will go on sale on March 26.

Both MacRumors’ Arnold Kim and the Examiner have heard from tipsters that Apple stores will begin selling the iPad on Friday, March 26 at 6 p.m. The Examiner added that “People who camp out for the iPad will receive a special gift.”

That would be similar to the launch of the original iPhone, which began selling 6 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2007. (I don’t remember receiving any gifts when I camped out for the iPhone, but employees did hand out some coffee.)

Apple has said the iPad without 3G will begin shipping late March. The iPad including 3G should be shipping about 30 days later, according to Apple.

An analyst spread a rumor earlier this week that tight inventories might delay iPad shipments by a month, but an Apple spokeswoman told Wired.com that the iPad was on schedule to ship by late March