Thu 28th of January, filed under Design
Apple iPad launched
Apple has brought an end to months of speculation by finally revealing details of the iPad.
The much-hyped tablet will enable users to browse the web, listen to music, play games, watch HD videos, view photos and run apps – even those already purchased for the iPhone and iPod touch. In addition, they will be able to read e-books that have been downloaded from Apple's newly announced iBookstore. Five major publishers – Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Penguin and MacMillan – have already confirmed they will distribute e-books through the iBookstore.
iPad features
In terms of specifications, the iPad features a 9.7-inch LED-backlit colour display. Like the iPhone, users can navigate the device through a Multi-Touch interface and type emails on a virtual keyboard. And Apple's design seems to have commuters in mind – it is 1.27 cm thick, weighs 680 grams and boasts an unexpectedly long battery life of ten hours.
Two versions of the iPad have been announced and users have been given a choice of 16GB, 32GB or 64GB models for both. A wi-fi-only iPad will be available worldwide in late March with prices starting from £307. Meanwhile, a wi-fi and 3G iPad will be launched across major markets in April with prices starting from £387.
Commentators have been quick to make their feelings known on Twitter, where 'Apple iPad' is currently one of the UK's trending topics. In Manchester, for example, @zoejrobinson said: "It looks like Apple just forced open source on the e-book market. This has to be good news." However, @producerscott was sceptical, saying: "I really don't see the gap that #Apple are talking about between smartphone and laptop. #iPad looks great, but is it useful?"
Posted by Richard Frost
