At last, the iPad
Honey, they grew the iPod. The much-anticipated Apple tablet computer made its first public appearance today, as CEO Steve Jobs took the stage in San Francisco in front of an audience of invited guests and journalists.
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of places to find details of the new device. See the review by Associated Press writer Rachel Metz: (http://bit.ly/d6846H).
Details and specs of the new device include:
— Pricing for Wi-Fi-only models starting at $499 for 16-gigabyte model; $599 and $699 versions also available.
— Pricing for 3G enabled models will cost $130 more across the board. The top-of-the-line model will sell for $829.
— Data plans for 3G models will start at $14.95 for limited data use. Unlimited downloads will cost $29.95 a month. Partner is AT&T.
— Wi-Fi model will be in March, with 3G models coming in April.
— 9.7 inch screen (same as the Kindle DX screen).
— 0.5 inches thick.
— 1.5 pounds.
— 1 gigahertz processor with the new Apple A4 chip.
— 10 hours of battery time.
— 16, 32 and 64 gigabyte flash drive sizes available.
— Full QWERTY virtual keyboard.
— Runs all 140,000 iPhone applications.
— Developer kit available for developing new apps.
— Multitouch screen.
— MLB.com app includes Gameday program with live stats and video interactive experience.
— Map application is redesigned and integrated with contacts list.
— Calendar application redesigned.
— iBooks app links to iBooks Store. Can download books directly from store; includes five top publishers, with invitations to any publishers to participate.
— iWork applications with new interfaces.
What's missing? The iPad has no camera, still or video. There is no telephone function, but there are apps available that use Wi-Fi for voice over Internet protocol calls, such as Skype. Just add a headset with a microphone.
The device is far more iPod than iPhone. I'm not sure how the public will embrace this new screen size or whether it will replace the laptop and netbook computers so many people tote around today.
I'll have more on the iPad after I get my hands on one. I'm not sure when that will be, but stay tuned.
For more on the iPad, visit the Apple site: (www.apple.com).
