Apple has attempted to put pay to suggestions that the firm's new iPad got off to a slower than expected start in its opening weekend calling it a record breaker.

Speaking during a conference call – in which Apple revealed it will launch a $45 billion strong share repurchase and dividend scheme – CEO Tim Cook said he was "thrilled" with the tablet's launch.

"We had a record weekend and we're thrilled with it," detailed Cook.

The numbers game

Nonetheless, Cook declined to reveal official launch weekend figures, with his statement coming after reports from both the US and UK suggested launch day queues at Apple's flagship stores were down on iPad 2's tally, as well as those seen for the original iPad.

Commentators have been quick to suggest this is largely down to Apple's rejuvenated pre-order program, which – for the first time – allowed customers to place orders to ship ready for day one.

It's assumed Apple will wait until its next financial quarter - due mid-April - before detailing the new iPad's sales figures.

Nonetheless, expectations from analysts were high leading up to launch, with Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray claiming up to 1 million units could be shifted within the tablet's first 24 hours.

Official iPad 2 launch sales figures were never released, though estimates came in at between 400,000 and 1 million units.

[source: Apple Insider]