The same weekend that eager European, Aussie and Canadian customers were finally able to get their hands on Apple’s iPad tablet thingy, the company announced that it had sold 2 million of the portable devices since its launch in early April.

If true, this rate of sale would surpass Apple’s 2007 debut of the iPhone. Of course the iPad does have the advantage of not requiring users to be AT&T subscribers.

After being delayed weeks because of high domestic demand, iPad went on sale this past Friday in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

In July, nine more countries — including Mexico and Ireland — will get their iPads.

Meanwhile, netbook notables Asus announced today that they are getting in on the tablet and e-reader markets with the upcoming releases of two different devices.

Asus’ Eee Pad, which they’re touting as a a multimedia player, e-reader, and compact PC, will use the Windows 7 operating system. The company plans to have two models — a 10″ and 12″ — available for the retail market in the first quarter of 2011 with pricing between $399 and $449. The least expensive iPad sells for $499.

Beginning in September, Asus will also do combat with e-readers like the Kindle and Nook with its Eee Tablet, which will include a 2 megapixel camera and retail for between $199 and $299.

Apple says sold 2 million iPads [Reuters]

Asustek Unveils Tablet, to Take on Apple’s iPad [WSJ]

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