The much anticipated Apple tablet, now called the Apple iPad, was launched, for the USA market, during an Apple event in San Francisco on 26 January 2010. This launch ended months of speculation, rumours, and guessing about Apple's new gadget. Apple's CEO Steve Jobs describes the new device as "so much more intimate than a laptop and so much more capable than a smartphone."

iPad Design and Dimensions

The iPad is similar in design to the Apple iPhone, but its dimensions are much larger than the iPhone.in both size and weight. It has a 24.6-centimetre (9.7 inch) touch screen, is only 1.3 centimetres (half-an-inch) thick, and weighs in at 680 grams (1.5 pounds). Its operating system (OS) runs on Apple's own 1 GHz A4 chip.

Apple iPad Models

You virtually have a choice of six models: three basic models with storage capacities; 16, 32, or 64 gigabytes flash memory storage; and three 3G models, also with 16, 32, or 64 gigabytes flash memory.

iPad Features

The iPad is a one-piece, one-button, touch screen, and keyboard-free mobile tablet computing gadget. It can best be described as a cross between a laptop and a smartphone. It is a full-blown smart device that can be used for browsing the web, watching videos, and playing music.

iPad Applications (iPad Apps)

According to Scott Forstall, Apple's senior VP, the iPad can run iphone apps "virtually unmodified."

iBooks an Ideal iPad Application

When using the iPad application, iBooks, the iPad becomes an ideal mobile e-reader. So the chances are that Apple will be pitching the iPad as an alternative or competitor to the popular Amazon Kindle. Also, Apple's iBook store allows you to purchase and read books using the iPad.

All models come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The battery life lasts up to 10 hours. In addition, the iPad can be left in standby mode, for a month, without requiring a recharge.

iPad Prices

The basic iPad model (16 gigabytes) should start at under $500 (that is $499 US), with the 32 gigabytes model selling for 100 dollars more ($600 US), and the top 64 gigabytes model going for $600 US.

The 3G iPad models are priced higher at US$629 (16 gigabytes), US$729 for the 32 gigabytes model, and US$829 for the top 64 gigabytes.

Apple iPad Pay-as-you-go Plans

Apple will be introducing a pay-as-you-go data plans through AT&T in the USA. (Check soon with the various phone service providers in your country for the similar service).

In the USA these data plans would be available in two tiers:

• A 250 megabyte data plan for $14.99 per month, and
• An unlimited data plan for $29.99 per month

International Market Launch

The worldwide launch took place in March 2010, with the Wi-Fi only versions being offered first. The 3G versions for the international markets were released a month later, in April.

The iPad is another useful device to add to your business device arsenal, giving you a wider choice of useful business gadgets to select from.

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