Apple iPad 2 will cost less than iPad 1 in the UK

The iPad 2 will go on sale in Britain at 5pm on Friday with prices starting at £399 for the 16GB wifi model - £30 less than the launch price for the same model of the original iPad last year.

The most expensive iPad 2, the 64GB wifi and 3G model, will cost £659 - £40 less than the same model of the original iPad.

Despite claims that the iPad 2 launch might be delayed because of shortages, Apple said the tablet computer will go on sale in 25 countries on Friday, including Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

Apple also said that the iPad 2 would be available in Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore in April.