Apple’s iPad tablet will be available in big-box retail Target’s as many as 1,743 stores across the United States, starting 3rd of October.

The coveted touch-screen device is already available for purchase from Apple stores and Best Buy. Target will also offer the revolutionary device at the same price at which they are available Apple stores and consumer electronics shops of Best Buy.

The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models of both the Wi-Fi as well as 3G versions of the device will be available at Target.

Target store credit card holders will be able to enjoy a 5 per cent discount on an iPad purchase, taking $25 off the purchase of the 16GB Wi-Fi only model of the iPad.

Commenting on the new product, Target’s merchandising vice president Mark Schindele said, "Target is very excited to offer the revolutionary iPad to our guests nationwide.”

Apple has started directing the iPad to retailer as supply has started catching up with demand. The popularity of the iPade can be estimated from the fact that the company had to struggle hard to match production with demand for many months after the launch of the device.

As per Market analyst Piper Jaffray’s recent estimates, Apple will sell around 21 million iPads in 2011, up from previous estimate of 14.5 million.