Officials have said that Apple Inc. is racing to secure media content for its new iPad with hundreds of thousands of units pre-sold and soon to be released.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday that Apple is trying to convince more potential collaborators to offer television programs, digital newspapers and other content for downloading to the device, scheduled for release April 3.

The Journal was told by industry experts that the media interests are weighing the advantages of working with Apple against potential threats to their current sources of revenue.

Analysts further said that Apple is tempering some of its initial ambitions for the tablet-style device amid reports consumer interest in the iPad is so strong that Apple could sell more iPads in the first three months than it sold iPhones in the three months after the smartphone's debut.

The Journal also reported that Apple officials declined to comment.

The new 9.7-inch touch-screen device, which would let people play games, surf the Internet, watch video, and read books and newspapers, is touting as a revolutionary product by Apple. (With Inputs from Agencies)