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Get the latest news on the unveiling of this eagerly-awaited gadget from Apple!
Computer giant Apple has launched its iPad device, claiming it bridged the gap between the laptop and the smartphone.
Great unveiling
At a press conference in San Francisco, Apple's chief executive, Steve Jobs, unveiled the black touchscreen tablet device designed for browsing the web, watching videos, sharing photos and reading eBooks.
The slim black device resembles a larger version of Apple's iPhone and features a 9.7in (24.6cm) display with a touchscreen Qwerty keyboard which appears on screen for typing emails.
Mr Jobs demonstrated the device live on stage, browsing YouTube, Google maps, its built-in iTunes store and even played Disney's Pixar's animated film Up.
Top class
Powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, the iPad weighs just 1.5lb (680g) but includes a speaker, microphone, accelerometer, compass, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and promises a 10-hour battery life.
Key features
- The slim black device resembles a larger version of Apple's iPhone
- It features a 9.7in (24.6cm) display with a touchscreen Qwerty keyboard which appears on screen for typing emails
- Powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, the iPad weighs just 1.5lb (680g)
- It includes a speaker, microphone, accelerometer, compass, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and promises a 10-hour battery life
- iPad can run any of the iPhone's apps (applications), downloaded from the iTunes store - allowing users to synchronise their existing apps
- It can also be used as an electronic reader (eReader) and Apple has signed up with a host of large publishers, including Penguin, Macmillan and HarperCollins
- Prices for the iPad will start from 499 US dollars (£309) for the 16GB, WiFi only model. Models featuring 3G mobile connectivity will cost an extra 130 dollars (£80), with the highest-spec 64GB version at 829 dollars (£513)
- The WiFi version of the iPad will be available in two months and the 3G model in about three months' time
Tough crowd
However, after the unveiling presentation was over some journalists and bloggers were left feeling a little deflated, and even described the iPad as "disappointing".
Rhi Morgan at T3 magazine said:
"There was so much hype and speculation before the launch. And Apple got things so right with iPhone - we've been treated too much.
"They were never going to reinvent the wheel. I find it difficult to place this product because I can't see anybody who needs a laptop buying an iPad, and I can't see people using it as a smartphone either."
She added: "I think the people who buy this will be those who already own iPhones... real Apple fans."
Positive criticism
But there was plenty of positive critisism too!
Ben Lawton, category manager at electronics retailer Comet said:
"It's a very exciting launch and Apple have done it again by creating such a buzz in the market place.
"In terms of the market for the iPad, the netbook is there already, but the iPad has more functionality and if you've got an iPhone already you're going to want to buy one of these."
