At a live press conference (still going on as this was first posted) today, Apple's Steve Jobs delivered on what was leaked to be a new killer tool from
Apple, named the iPad. He didn't disappoint.
I'm not an Apple user - yet. But I have to admit that the graphics and features shown during a nearly-live streaming of the Apple Press Conference Feed on enGadget were very impressive.
The iPad is essentially a very thin tablet computer that can handle email, web browsing, photo sharing, book reading and music all in one device with an interrace that Jobs described as a an "exploded iPhone".
Think of the iPad as Apple's version of a NetBook that uses an enlarged version of the iPhone's touch pad screen with an on-screen, on-demand keyboard and has a built-in ebook reader like Amazon's Kindle.
The screen can be turned horizontally or vertically (landscape or portrait), you can drag and drop items right on the screen with your finger, much as you do with the iPhone, and iTunes access is already built in.
The tablet also features an amply sized QWERTY keyboard right on its screen. When using email, the keyboard pops up when you hit Compose to write a new message.
The new Apple gadget essentially brings together the already great arsenal of Apple tools, including the iPhone for web browsing and apps along with the iPod Touch and then kicks them up a few more notches with the ebook reader. In addition to built in iTunes, YouTube and YouTube HD are also built into the tablet.
How Big is the iPad and How Much Does it Weigh?
Jobs provided specs on the new tablet. It's .5 inches (yes, that's a half-inch) thin, weighs 1.5 pounds and has a 9.7 inch display. Jobs also said that the battery life is about 10 hours with over a month of standby power.
Scott Forstall came on to talk about apps. He said that the iPad will be able to run all iPhone apps right out of the box. Every iPad comes with the App Store right on it. Developers are in the process now of modifying apps specifically for use on the new iPad.
The new iBook store will also be accessible directly from the iPad, where you can download ebooks that are formatted for the new device.
What Will the iPad Cost?
Every iPad ships with Wi-Fi capability. 3G models will also be available at additional costs. The base iPad will retail in 3 levels for $499 - $699. 3G models will be available for an additional $130. Picture Frame and Keyboard Docks will be available.
As for Wi-Fi service, Apple has reached a deal with AT&T for pre-paid wireless at $14.99 for up to 250MB and $29.95 for unlimited data transfer per month and free use of AT&T's Wi-Fi hot spots. There are no contracts, the service is prepaid and you can activate right from the iPad.
As for pricing, you have to admit, this is pretty cheap for a brand new gadget and is cheaper than buying a NetBook computer and a new Kindle. I'm guessing that Amazon is not real pleased right about now.
For those of you who are Apple nuts to the core, it looks like you just got another great must-have tool delivered from Steve Jobs and company. I'm jealous - on so many levels!
Check out the iPad at Apple.com
I'm not an Apple user - yet. But I have to admit that the graphics and features shown during a nearly-live streaming of the Apple Press Conference Feed on enGadget were very impressive.
The iPad is essentially a very thin tablet computer that can handle email, web browsing, photo sharing, book reading and music all in one device with an interrace that Jobs described as a an "exploded iPhone".
Think of the iPad as Apple's version of a NetBook that uses an enlarged version of the iPhone's touch pad screen with an on-screen, on-demand keyboard and has a built-in ebook reader like Amazon's Kindle.
The screen can be turned horizontally or vertically (landscape or portrait), you can drag and drop items right on the screen with your finger, much as you do with the iPhone, and iTunes access is already built in.
The tablet also features an amply sized QWERTY keyboard right on its screen. When using email, the keyboard pops up when you hit Compose to write a new message.
The new Apple gadget essentially brings together the already great arsenal of Apple tools, including the iPhone for web browsing and apps along with the iPod Touch and then kicks them up a few more notches with the ebook reader. In addition to built in iTunes, YouTube and YouTube HD are also built into the tablet.
How Big is the iPad and How Much Does it Weigh?
Jobs provided specs on the new tablet. It's .5 inches (yes, that's a half-inch) thin, weighs 1.5 pounds and has a 9.7 inch display. Jobs also said that the battery life is about 10 hours with over a month of standby power.
Scott Forstall came on to talk about apps. He said that the iPad will be able to run all iPhone apps right out of the box. Every iPad comes with the App Store right on it. Developers are in the process now of modifying apps specifically for use on the new iPad.
The new iBook store will also be accessible directly from the iPad, where you can download ebooks that are formatted for the new device.
What Will the iPad Cost?
Every iPad ships with Wi-Fi capability. 3G models will also be available at additional costs. The base iPad will retail in 3 levels for $499 - $699. 3G models will be available for an additional $130. Picture Frame and Keyboard Docks will be available.
As for Wi-Fi service, Apple has reached a deal with AT&T for pre-paid wireless at $14.99 for up to 250MB and $29.95 for unlimited data transfer per month and free use of AT&T's Wi-Fi hot spots. There are no contracts, the service is prepaid and you can activate right from the iPad.
As for pricing, you have to admit, this is pretty cheap for a brand new gadget and is cheaper than buying a NetBook computer and a new Kindle. I'm guessing that Amazon is not real pleased right about now.
For those of you who are Apple nuts to the core, it looks like you just got another great must-have tool delivered from Steve Jobs and company. I'm jealous - on so many levels!
Check out the iPad at Apple.com
I can only imagine the impact this is going to have on home business and I, like a lot of people, am excited. One of the important things, I think, is the price which will set a standard for a lot of other manufacturers seeking to provide similar features.
Shawn:
Thanks for your comment. I think it will catch on and looks like a really useful gadget with potential. I think we were all surprised at the entry level price, which was half of what was originally predicted.
Randy D.
Great article on the new iPad… I cant wait to get one, it will come in very handy in the home business field. Feel free to visit my blog on home business opportunities. Thanks!
ContentWiz:
Glad you enjoyed it – it was fun to watch as events developed.
You may want to provide some information on your blog that you have an affiliate relationship with the opportunities you are promoting, which is now required by the FTC as of December 1st. I will be writing more about that in the near future.
Randy D.