iPad tops 300,000 sales in first day

The company said that the US release of the Wi-Fi enabled tablet was able to reach the milestone in its first day. Many users lined up outside of Apple stores in major cities, a scene reminiscent of the 2007 debut of the iPhone.

The big initial sales had not wholly unexpected. The company reported heavy interest in pre-orders and said that users wishing to reserve a new model would not be able to receive their iPads until later this month.

In addition to solid hardware sales, Apple said that users were showing a healthy interest in downloading and purchasing software content for the device.

"It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world, it’s going to be a game changer," predicted Apple co-founder and chief executive Steve Jobs.

"iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad."

Not everything about the release went smoothly, however. Shortly after the first iPads hit the street, users began to report overheating issues.

According to multiple early user reviews, using the device in direct sunlight on warmer days can cause the casing to heat up to levels over 90 degrees Farenheit (32 C,) causing the iPad to shut down in order to avoid heat damage.

Overheating issues are not entirely unfamiliar to Apple systems. The early Macbook Pro notebooks were particularly notorious for reaching uncomfortably hot levels when placed directly on the user's lap.