Apple on Wednesday introduced its “latest creation,” an ultra-thin, multimedia tablet device that it calls the “iPad.” The device, which CEO Steve Jobs called a “magical and revolutionary product,” resembles a large iPhone, and is meant to take up the space in between an iPhone and a Mac laptop computer.
The device will range in price from $499 to $829, depending on hard drive size and 3G or lack thereof. The first version will arrive in 60 days (on or about March 29) and the 3G-enabled version will arrive in 90 days (April 29.)
Weighing 1.5 pounds and boasting a 9.7-inch screen, the iPad performs numerous functions: It can be used for Web browsing, email, photos, music and video viewing, gaming and, through a new book-reading application called iBooks, e-book reading. The device can also easily access both the iTunes Store and the App Store, in addition to the new iBook store.
A few more notes on the iPad:
- The device will come in 16, 32 and 64GB versions, selling for $499, $599 and $699 with with WiFi only, and $629, $729 and $829 for the WiFI and 3G version . It also offers 10 hours of battery life.
- All devices will include WiFi, and some will also offer 3G coverage. AT&T is offering a data plan offering 250MB for $14.99 a month, or unlimited data for $29.99 a month, plus free use of AT&T WiFi hotspots. The arrangement does not require a contract and can be canceled at any time.
- The iBook store includes cooperation with several book publishers. The store and reader application also give the reader the option of changing the font of any book.
- A software development kit has been released for the new device.
- On the environmental front, the iPad is free of arsenic, BFR, mercury and PVC and is “highly recyclable,” Apple said.
- A version of the iWork software has been released for the iPad.
Visit our sister site, Appletell, for more on the unveiling of the device.
Alright. It has been unveiled. But it seems to be a device that does everything yet nothing very well. That leaves it the iPuke.
As an eBook Reader it is too heavy and far too big to carry around for reading eBooks. Kind of like reading in a color TV. A rather lame concept!
On other fronts it runs up against MID devices. The Astak Spectrum will be priced under $299. It does everything the iPad does, is ideal for eBook Reading, has a webcam, has a camera, has SD card slot, and a lot more.
I just do not see where this has a good niche. Sorry!