Apple iPad brings new Mail.app interface

Apple has announced its new tablet device, the iPad. At first glance, the device appears to be simply a large iPhone like device with the hardware consisting of only the home button we are used to. And it’s true, much of the interface is exactly like you would find it on the iPhone. That said, while Mail.app is still similar, it does have some refreshing new changes.

For one, since the screen is so much larger, the organization of the inboxes and messages on the iPad is quite a bit different. One view allows the user to have the messages listed along the left hand side with the actual selected message open on the right. While it takes an extra modal to view messages on the iPhone, this seems much better for viewing email.

Furthermore, the new interface also has drop down menus for switching messages and inboxes. Basically, the larger screen on the device allows much more real estate for the developer to plays with and thereby makes it more efficient to navigate around the interface. While the changes are somewhat subtle, they will make browsing your mail a much more pleasurable experience if you ask me.

Stay tuned with the live coverage of the event, and don’t forget to check back soon, as we’ll have more in-depth articles around the iPad and it’s software.