iPad

Yes, Steve Jobs just broke news of Apple’s new 9.7″ IPS multi-touch display device – iPad. iPad runs a special custom Apple system-on-chip known simply as – Apple A4. It’s good to see Apple finally putting that P.A. Semi acquisition into good use. 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB will be offered at $499, $599, and $699, in addition to a 3G modem for an extra $130 on top. AT&T will be the sole provider of the 3G services advalible on iPad starting at $14.99 a month for 250mb or $29.99 if you opt for unlimited data. The contract free device will indeed be unlocked out of the box but is using a micro SIM instead of your traditional SIM found in most existing devices GSM devices. iPad will run just about every iPhone app advalible outside the box. A few things currently being critize about iPad is the lack of front or rear facing camera, Flash support in Safari, and the need for adapters in order to transfer images from a digital camera to the device. More after the break.

ipadbookstorejan2010 One key feature Apple showcased about iPad is the new iBookstore. Obviously this is going to be a direct competitor with Amazon’s Kindle. No one knows exact pricing on books at the moment but rumors has it would range anywhere between $12.99 and $14.99 in ePub format. Now I would not be too quick to judge how reading would be on this device as opposed to the eInk technology found on Kindle, Nook, and others a like, until I get my hands on one. I can tell you for sure, based on Engadget’s hands-on video, that iBook app is very slick especially when flipping the page.

ipad-iwork-01-27-2010 The one thing I am excited for that was showcased at the keynote is iWork. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote have been completely redesign to be optimized for iPad and it appears Apple has done a stellar job doing so. Each app will be available for $9.99 each, making it $29.97 for the complete iWork, not a bad price for such powerful applications.