Once and Still a Techie Weblog

Say Hello to the iPad

After years of speculation and fears that it isn’t going to happen, Apple has finally made it official by introducing their new tablet device dubbed the iPad. Steve Job’s own words were it is “way better than a laptop, way better than a phone. It’s the best web experience you’ve ever had.”

It looks like a supersized iPhone and works just like one with a multi-touch capable screen and operating system. iPhone users will be happy to know that all their iPhone apps will actually work on the iPad.

Weighing only 1.5lbs and 0.5 inches thick, it has a 9.7 inch capacitive display with a resolution of 1024 by 768. An on-screen keyboard is there for writing text but handwriting recognition is currently not available. It has 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. There are 3 models with prices starting at $499 for the 16GB base model, $599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 64GB. 3G capabilities are possible for an additional $130 on top of base price. Battery life is 10hrs for video and audio playback along with regular surfing over WiFi and one month standby time.

The iPad will start shipping in 60 days with 3G-capable devices available 30 days after that. So Apple fans it’s time to start saving up!