After years of rumours and falsely leaked prototypes, Apple’s first tablet computer was announced today.
The iPad – previously reported unofficially as the Apple Tablet and the iSlate – features a 9.7-inch touch display, weighs 680 grams, and is 13.4mm thick. It is "thinner and lighter than any netbook," said Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs.
iPad features 12 next-generation Multi-Touch applications. Every app works in both portrait and landscape, automatically animating between views as the user rotates iPad in any direction.
While the iPad has all the standard features – including built-in wireless for Internet browsing and downloading – it will also have access to Apple’s new e-bookstore, called iBooks. This makes the device a fully capable eReader as well as a laptop replacement. It syncs with iTunes just like the iPhone and iPod touch, using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable, so you can sync all of your contacts, photos, music, movies, TV shows, applications and more from your Mac or PC. Apple has also introduced a new version of iWork for iPad, a desktop-class productivity suite designed specifically for Multi-Touch.
“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device,” added Jobs.
Pricing in the US will start at US$499 for the 16GB model, and will run to US$829 for the highest spec 64GB 3G model.The iPad will start shipping in March.
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