Apple introduces iPad

The time for Apple's big product announcement has come. As the rumors suggested it's a tablet, which they're calling the iPad.

At first glance it looks like a giant iPod Touch. So far Steve Jobs has shown off web browsing capabilities, which conspicuously didn't include a Flash plugin, much like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

With a 9.7 inch LED backlit LCD display, the iPad is half an inch thick and weighs just 1.5 pounds.

It features between 16GB and 64GB of storage with a 1GHz Apple A4 CPU, Bluetooth 2.1 support, and a 802.11n Wi-Fi interface. It can run almost all the apps from the iPhone App Store.

The iPad will be available in March, and will sell for a (suggested retail) price of $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, or $699 for the 64GB version. In April there will also be models with both Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities and suggested retail price of $629 (16GB), $729 (32GB), and $829 (64GB).

Two different AT&T iPad data plans for the 3G version were also announced. For $14.99 you will be able to get a plan with a 250MB limit. There will also be an unlimited plan for $29.99 per month.

This is significantly cheaper than standard data plans using a USB 3G modem, but is also more limited since it will only work with your iPad.

Apple will be selling the iPad in the US directly from Apple, both online and in their brick and mortar stores, as well as "select Apple Authorized Resellers."

The specific third party retailers are as of yet unknown, perhaps even to Apple.

As expected, the iPad comes with an eBook reader application. The company is also launching an eBook store, predictably called iBookstore. It will presumably work similarly to the iPhone App Store.

If you want to use your iPad for playing audio and video it supports the same formats as the iPhone, including MP3, AAC, and Apple Lossless Audio, as well as MPEG-4 AAC and MPEG-4 SP video in resolutions up to 720p at 30fps.

Battery life is reportedly up to 10 hours of use or a month on standby.

Among the accessories available will be a dock which will hold your iPad in an upright position while charging it and another that also adds a full size keyboard. There will also be attachments to add USB support for connecting digital cameras.

Written by: Rich Fiscus @ 27 Jan 2010 13:31

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44 comments

prutsos

wow a bigger ipod touch

27.1.2010 13:47 #1

MReprogle

Seriously, people waited for this?!

27.1.2010 14:00 #2

jetyi83

this would be average at best without all the hype. With the hype and with the apple name its a pretty extreme disappointment. There is nothing innovative about it, there are already android tablets out there better than this.

27.1.2010 14:52 #3

gallagher

Apple may not be the best, but at the moment, the market orients itself toward the Apple iphone. Since this is compatible with the iphone apps, it will dominate the tablet market as well. Not everyone wants to have a computer running linux, even though it has more power and ability. The same holds true for the iphone and thus for this. There are so many products and apps made for it, and it has such nice features, that most people are happy with it. Very similar to how Microsoft dominates the market with operating systems--everything is made for it.

27.1.2010 14:56 #4

Hyasuma

just get a damn laptop, why spent so much for something when a laptop is more useful?

27.1.2010 15:36 #5

Nat4u

What a freaken waste of time and effort for a piece of garbage, the last poster was correct in saying that a laptop can do more than this over sized ipod. Apple listen closely, the ipad will be a failure from the beginning.

27.1.2010 15:50 #6

dRD

IMO, Apple is after the eBook market, nothing else -- iPad doesn't want to compete against tablet PCs, it wants to compete against Amazon Kindle. Basically, iTunes Store already dominates the digital music sales and Apple wants to be in a position where they can dominate the eBook industry as well, specially now that it is finally taking off.

After all, for most purposes, books seem to be headed the same way the dodo and the audio CD have gone.

27.1.2010 15:55 #7

PRCOQUI

This is a big oversize iphone so how need this, really for me a big disappointment.
I was hopping something like a computer that will run Windows 7 or Safari no a big phone

27.1.2010 15:56 #8

joepet200

This isn't an oversized iPhone. No mic, no webcam, no phone.
It's IPOOOOOOODDDDDD.
MS should release the new ZUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE.

27.1.2010 16:23 #9

Nat4u

The Kindle is going to be hard to beat, I dont own one but i have heard the reviews and the kindle is a smash hit. This ipad wont make a dent at all, the ipad is destined to be a failure unless they add more functionality to it. For me the ipad is a idud.

27.1.2010 16:28 #10

joepet200

Originally posted by joepet200: This isn't an oversized iPhone. No mic, no webcam, no phone.
It's IPOOOOOOODDDDDD.
MS should release the new ZUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNE.actually it's more of a giant iPod for middle aged farts like me
who need large icons to see. Kinda like those giant TV remote controls.

Can you get those rubber holsters so that I can attach it to my hip.
Or strap it to my arm? That would be so cool. Maybe I'll get one.

27.1.2010 16:29 #11

mike.m

Originally posted by PRCOQUI: This is a big oversize iphone so how need this, really for me a big disappointment.
I was hopping something like a computer that will run Windows 7 or Safari no a big phoneI agree, however I wasn't disappointed because knowing Apple, I knew it was going to be another crap, over-sized and overpriced piece of plastic, so as always I didn't expect any out of the ordinary.

I also agree with Hyasuma. $699 for what? And then they crank it up to $829 just to add Wi-FI, 3G(which you probably wouldn't need if you have wi-fi), and ONLY 64GB? You can buy a laptop/netbook for less than half the price of that and get way more features, better performance, and a a lot more storage.

And you can tell their prices are fixed. It obviously didn't cost them an extra $100 just to add 16GB. Apple is going to lose a lot of customers unless they start lowering the prices and try to offer better performance/features than the competition (which they never really have done), except for those die-hard apple fans (I mean Brainwashed zombies), they'll always be emptying out their wallets for these "upgraded" products every year. And what was that back made of? As always that non-scratch resistant crap. Now you got to shell out an extra $100 for cases and other accessories. I've said this before, these people are paying a premium just for a LOGO.

27.1.2010 16:34 #12

Pop_Smith

Originally posted by Nat4u: The Kindle is going to be hard to beat, I dont own one but i have heard the reviews and the kindle is a smash hit. This ipad wont make a dent at all, the ipad is destined to be a failure unless they add more functionality to it. For me the ipad is a idud.The Kindle is awesome and they are now Apple's target. The iPad is even the same size as the DX.
Quote:The company is also launching an eBook store, predictably called iBookstore.They created this Tablet to go after the exponentially growing eBook market and the Kindle DX. I wonder how this will fair in sunlight etc. compared to the Kindle DX.

One issue I can see right now is battery life. The Kindle DX has a reported one-week battery life with it's wireless enabled. This current report says the iPad will only have less then half a day.

27.1.2010 16:45 #13

21Q

Well f. I really expected more than this. At 1ghz AND with an iphone-type OS, I guess you can't install average Macintosh applications. This would seriously be a waste of money.

27.1.2010 17:05 #14

xnonsuchx

I loved Steve Job's slam on netbooks during his presentation, though. I ALWAYS despised those underpowered pieces of junk.

27.1.2010 17:49 #15

ikari

Tablets are going to be really cool once technology like MS Surface starts becoming a part of everyday life.

Until then, like all technology, small steps to make lots of money.

27.1.2010 18:33 #16

pensfan12

Originally posted by xnonsuchx: I loved Steve Job's slam on netbooks during his presentation, though. I ALWAYS despised those underpowered pieces of junk.
They might not be that powerful but at least you can do more than one task at a time.

27.1.2010 18:50 #17

zdiggler

They're already cool scene 2001! People weren't just ready. They're just starting to wake up.

Wait for the Asus one. You can load any OS you wish.

27.1.2010 19:10 #18

shaffaaf

a $250 netbook can atleast run flash and multitask. this a a joke, and shoudl only be needed for a woman on her iPeriod.

27.1.2010 19:27 #19

dirtyash

I've had an Lenovo X61t for the past 2.5 years and I love it's tablet functionality. I take all my school notes on it and love using the stylus to do cool art work (via sketchbook pro). I thought that Apple was going to make a product to compete with the likes of tablet/convertible-tablets like my X61t. Had they went the extra mile (actually extra couple of feet, imho) to include more capabilities such as a stylus, note-taking applications and ability to install a different os (win 7 or linux) then they could charge in excess of $2000. Instead your left with (as others pointed out) a large iphone/ipod. Don't get me wrong I understand what apple is trying to do; there trying to produce a product that is easy to use and "flows" from one "application" to the next. I really appreciate the ease of use that this product produces, however, I am a power user and want more out of my tablet. I expect to be able to do everything on my convertible tablet that I can on a desktop (except 3D gaming and really high-res 3D autocad drawings). Had they produced this sort of product then it would have lived up to all it's hype, instead Steve Jobs just spent the last (i dunno) 3 years working on a large re-hash of the product they already have. It's all very disappointing to me. I really expected more; even though I feel I would never buy a iproduct they could've had me if they produced such a product.

27.1.2010 20:04 #20

bomber991

Originally posted by dirtyash: I've had an Lenovo X61t for the past 2.5 years and I love it's tablet functionality. I take all my school notes on it and love using the stylus to do cool art work (via sketchbook pro). I thought that Apple was going to make a product to compete with the likes of tablet/convertible-tablets like my X61t. Had they went the extra mile (actually extra couple of feet, imho) to include more capabilities such as a stylus, note-taking applications and ability to install a different os (win 7 or linux) then they could charge in excess of $2000. Instead your left with (as others pointed out) a large iphone/ipod. Don't get me wrong I understand what apple is trying to do; there trying to produce a product that is easy to use and "flows" from one "application" to the next. I really appreciate the ease of use that this product produces, however, I am a power user and want more out of my tablet. I expect to be able to do everything on my convertible tablet that I can on a desktop (except 3D gaming and really high-res 3D autocad drawings). Had they produced this sort of product then it would have lived up to all it's hype, instead Steve Jobs just spent the last (i dunno) 3 years working on a large re-hash of the product they already have. It's all very disappointing to me. I really expected more; even though I feel I would never buy a iproduct they could've had me if they produced such a product.A few years ago, I was interested in getting a tablet pc for taking notes at school, but I came up with the conclusion that it would essentially be the same as taking the notes in a standard spiral notebook, except all the notes would be stored in the tablet laptop. I'd like to know if your thoughts on that are the same? I guess one advantage to the tablet would be the ability to do more colors than just whatever color your pen is at the moment.

It looks like you are supposed to be able to jot some notes down on the ipad but I don't think it's a big feature. I also saw on their ipad page that there will be the iWork suite for it, which has their word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation programs. Though those are all available as seperate apps.

I think ultimately what will make or break this thing is going to be the apps.

27.1.2010 21:02 #21

Memnock

I'll probably get one if it gets jailbroken. No way would I drop the cash on it as is.

27.1.2010 22:47 #22

dirtyash

Quote:Originally posted by dirtyash: I've had an Lenovo X61t for the past 2.5 years and I love it's tablet functionality. I take all my school notes on it and love using the stylus to do cool art work (via sketchbook pro). I thought that Apple was going to make a product to compete with the likes of tablet/convertible-tablets like my X61t. Had they went the extra mile (actually extra couple of feet, imho) to include more capabilities such as a stylus, note-taking applications and ability to install a different os (win 7 or linux) then they could charge in excess of $2000. Instead your left with (as others pointed out) a large iphone/ipod. Don't get me wrong I understand what apple is trying to do; there trying to produce a product that is easy to use and "flows" from one "application" to the next. I really appreciate the ease of use that this product produces, however, I am a power user and want more out of my tablet. I expect to be able to do everything on my convertible tablet that I can on a desktop (except 3D gaming and really high-res 3D autocad drawings). Had they produced this sort of product then it would have lived up to all it's hype, instead Steve Jobs just spent the last (i dunno) 3 years working on a large re-hash of the product they already have. It's all very disappointing to me. I really expected more; even though I feel I would never buy a iproduct they could've had me if they produced such a product.A few years ago, I was interested in getting a tablet pc for taking notes at school, but I came up with the conclusion that it would essentially be the same as taking the notes in a standard spiral notebook, except all the notes would be stored in the tablet laptop. I'd like to know if your thoughts on that are the same? I guess one advantage to the tablet would be the ability to do more colors than just whatever color your pen is at the moment.

It looks like you are supposed to be able to jot some notes down on the ipad but I don't think it's a big feature. I also saw on their ipad page that there will be the iWork suite for it, which has their word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation programs. Though those are all available as seperate apps.

I think ultimately what will make or break this thing is going to be the apps.Personally, I absolutely love my tablet for taking notes at school. I am in engineering so I draw hundreds of free body diagrams, charts and the like, so having the ability to draw perfectly straight lines, circles, etc.. and in diff colors is also great. The fact that all my notes are in one place and I don't have to lug around multiple notebooks is priceless and I can copy and paste diagrams that are used multiple times, resize the diagram after drawing it and I can reference material from other files such as pdf's or whatever with a screen-clipping and etc.... The possibilities are endless really. The one-note program from msoft office is really awesome, but there are others out there that are impressive also (e.g. bluebeam pdf). To be honest the transition from paper to screen writing is kind of weird, but I've been doing it for a couple of years and I would never go back (just takes some getting used to). The addition of Win 7 is really worth it; vista wasn't horrible, but the quickness of 7 to return from sleep and other things is undeniably faster. I am one of few students to have the tablet on campus and I think that I am the only one that really utilizes it to it's full potential (at least in my classes and school). So, if your willing to go through the transition to digital, I say go for it; you'll never look back. Make sure you back it up on a constant basis, if you lose your notes your screwed. The passive stylus is a must (e.g. wacom), it tracks the pen when it is just above the screen not just when touching it and it allows for pressure sensitivity so that when you push harder it writes darker (a really bad ass feature). Oh yeah, do some research before you make a purchase; in my opinion you can't beat the lenovo brand when it comes to tablets, but there are cheaper ones out there that will do the same thing.

27.1.2010 23:02 #23

KillerBug

Originally posted by Memnock: I'll probably get one if it gets jailbroken. No way would I drop the cash on it as is.Yeah...not only does it cost over $800 for the good version, but it is locked to AT&T!!! What is it with Apple and locking to AT&T's crummy network?

That said, I might get one in about 12 months...when people start throwing them away and I can get a 64GB 3G model for $100...or free if I go dumpster diving...oh wait...the thing does not even have a F**KING SD CARD SLOT...I would not want it for free!

27.1.2010 23:31 #24

Pop_Smith

Originally posted by KillerBug: Yeah...not only does it cost over $800 for the good version, but it is locked to AT&T!!! What is it with Apple and locking to AT&T's crummy network?

That said, I might get one in about 12 months...when people start throwing them away and I can get a 64GB 3G model for $100...or free if I go dumpster diving...oh wait...the thing does not even have a F**KING SD CARD SLOT...I would not want it for free!Yeah, with the Wireless N card and 16+GB SSD it's basically a computer without anyway to connect peripherals, unless you pay an astronomical price for the keyboard or USB add-ons.

27.1.2010 23:53 #25

Hrdrk20

Just go to piratebay or isohunt and type in "magazine". I enjoy reading .pdf files on my Acer netbook but the screen doesn't close 295 degrees. If the price came down a bit, I'd consider buying an ipad.

28.1.2010 00:52 #26

KillerBug

Quote:Originally posted by KillerBug: Yeah...not only does it cost over $800 for the good version, but it is locked to AT&T!!! What is it with Apple and locking to AT&T's crummy network?

That said, I might get one in about 12 months...when people start throwing them away and I can get a 64GB 3G model for $100...or free if I go dumpster diving...oh wait...the thing does not even have a F**KING SD CARD SLOT...I would not want it for free!Yeah, with the Wireless N card and 16+GB SSD it's basically a computer without anyway to connect peripherals, unless you pay an astronomical price for the keyboard or USB add-ons.But it isn't even a computer...it is just an overgrown iPod...if it was a computer, it would have Snow Leapord on it. The lack of SD support realy gets me though...I wonder why Apple hates this format so much that they would not include it on an overgrown music player.

28.1.2010 05:45 #27

Mr-Movies

Once again just like the iPod Apple has done what no one else has ever done, ya right same old game. And with that in mind I'm sure that the Apple iKlan will fall right in on this one as well, they'll buy anything that has an "i" preface and love it no matter what! Or will they finally wake up?? Wishfull thinking I know.

Tablets are a nitche market and are best for people that don't want a 100 books lying around and instead retain them in the tablet or for people like "dirtyash" and "bomber991" that use them for school but outside of that zipo.

28.1.2010 06:34 #28

KC5RTY

Hmmm? the "iPad" whats next, the "iTampon" ????

28.1.2010 09:52 #29

bonville

Ithink Iwill wait

28.1.2010 11:31 #30

Gnawnivek

Quote:Originally posted by Nat4u: The Kindle is going to be hard to beat, I dont own one but i have heard the reviews and the kindle is a smash hit. This ipad wont make a dent at all, the ipad is destined to be a failure unless they add more functionality to it. For me the ipad is a idud.The Kindle is awesome and they are now Apple's target. The iPad is even the same size as the DX.
Quote:The company is also launching an eBook store, predictably called iBookstore.They created this Tablet to go after the exponentially growing eBook market and the Kindle DX. I wonder how this will fair in sunlight etc. compared to the Kindle DX.

One issue I can see right now is battery life. The Kindle DX has a reported one-week battery life with it's wireless enabled. This current report says the iPad will only have less then half a day.The Kindle can be used under strong sun lights (like on the beach). It's not back lit, it's e-ink. The iPad is like every other LCD display gadgets, you can't see well under sun lights. Of course, you can read from the iPad in the dark, but you can't read from the Kindle w/o light source (ahem, like a real book).

The battery life of the Kindle is much better if the wireless is turned off. It can last a month w/o charging...

I doubt the iPad will "replace" the Kindle. The main reason people go with e-ink readers because the screen doesn't put strain on the eyes like the back lit devices do.

28.1.2010 12:47 #31

EEE31

All this garbage and you can only use one app at a time... there is no multitasking on this. Dont even get me started on the fact this is going to run on that crappy AT&T network... good luck doing anything on it.

28.1.2010 15:17 #32

Nat4u

Steve you really did it this time, you built the worlds first biggie sized ipod and not only is it big but you included the same old battery life in it as well.

On a personal note, your new toy sucks ass. Steve i think its time you packed your bags and retire to India and as a golden parachute you can take your imac, ipod, ipad, iphone with you.Dont worry about your company it will be taken over by Microsoft and your beloved osx os will be history as well. lmao

28.1.2010 15:49 #33

creaky

I think Jobs went too far this time, even Apple diehards will surely struggle to find a use for the iPad ?.

A few things i found ~

iDisappoint: Apple Announces iPad (just posting that due to the title of the article, got it in my email earlier this evening).

and http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008...20Eric%20GI.jpg

Main PC ~ Intel C2Q Q6600 (G0 Stepping)/Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3/2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec 900/Corsair HX 620W
Network ~ DD-WRT ~ 2node WDS/WPA ~ Buffalo WHR-G54S. 4node WPA2/AES ~ WRT54GS v6 (inc. WEP BSSID), WRT54G v2, WRT54G v3.1, WRT54G2 v1, WRT54G v5. *** Forum Rules ***

28.1.2010 18:23 #34

Nat4u

The stone will outsell the ipad in a month

28.1.2010 20:15 #35

borhan9

I actually like this i wouldnt mind playing with this new toy. Problem is that yes i would see this more like a big ipod touch or a apple E-book reader.

28.1.2010 21:47 #36

shaffaaf

announcing the ipad nano

http://www.vimeo.com/9033039

28.1.2010 22:34 #37

KingKite

I like the look of the ipad, but it does seems lke a bigger iphone. Does anyone know, if possible, how much it would cost to make your own tablet PC?

29.1.2010 08:32 #38

pmshah

I was just wondering what price justification apple is using.

Full fledged DVD players with 10.5 " LCD screens are sold in retail for under US$ 100/=. Atom mobos with ram retail for US$ 50/=

How much more does Apple want for removing the DVD drive, replacing the cpu and adding OS?

BTW my US$ 10/= Citizen watch keeps better time than US$ 500/= Cartier. I speak for myself, I don't need any bragging rights!

29.1.2010 10:10 #39

scum101

Another thing about the stone.. it doesn't tend to break when you wallop an apple shmoo over the head with it *grins* .. and amazon can't delete your book from it because of an imagined "copyright infringement"

I prefer my books to be made of paper.. cheap, reliable, don't need a power source and not likely to get mugged for it... and I can read them in the bath if I want.. if they get dropped in they dry nicely if a little wrinkled.

Now then.. how about the iStone .. install it at the bottom of your path.. specially for tripping over after drinking your iSlab ;)

Yes, we give you 100% free, no strings attached email! Just send us your address and we will send you as much free email as you could ever wish for

29.1.2010 10:24 #40

Gnawnivek

Originally posted by shaffaaf: announcing the ipad nano

That's" target="_blank">http://www.vimeo.com/9033039That's cute :)

thanks for the laugh.

29.1.2010 10:38 #41

sherarda

SPAM removed

7.4.2010 00:55 #42

shaffaaf

umm spam?

7.4.2010 01:07 #43

Rimmyipsbil

SPM removed

24.4.2010 01:15 #44

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