Apple advertised its much-anticipated iPad tablet for the first time during last night's 2010 Academy Awards telecast.

The company aired the iPad commercial after last week's announcement the iPad would go on sale on in the US on April 3. In the rest of the world, the device is expected to be released in late April.

In the US, the iPad will be available with a price tag of $499. Only WiFi model of the iPad will be made available from April 3. WiFi and 3G model will hit the stores later in april.

Apple's chief executive Steve Jobs was also present at the occasion.

Apple often makes use of high profile TV shows to air its new products and services. It had aired iPhone ads during previous Oscars. Earlier in 1984, it had aired the launch of its Macintosh computer during the 3rd quarter of the Super Bowl.