Launch at April 3, 2010 after delay caused by the Ipad touch panel supplier unable to deliver the component at time. Manufactured by Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision) the same manufacturer brings Ipod, Iphone, Playstation 3, Wii and Kindle.
There are two version of iPad, the one got lauched first only have Wi-Fi connectivity while at the end of this month Apple will release another version with Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity.
With 9,7" multi touch screen, 3 axis accelerator and 10 hours battery life it's perfect for web surfing at the bed, on the couch or in the run. But if you will be using it as e-book reader replacement, you have to think twice because with 1.5 pounds weight it's not as friendly as real e-book reader like Amazon's Kindle at 10.2 ounces.
iPad runs on the same OS as iPhone and iPod Touch, so expect to have same degree on functionality although it also means they share some same limited ability. There is no multi tasking and no flash support by default but you'll get what iPod and iPhone does best which is music and video playing including YouTube HD video playing. There are also reported problem on charging the iPad not replaceable internal battery, but you can refer to this guide to avoid them.
You'll also get the same iWork ported to the big screen for productivity and you can upgrade it with iPad Keyboard Dock for fully ofice work functionality although it will never replace real computer as this device not even equipped with USB port.
It doesn't come cheap, introduced at $499 for 16GB Wi-Fi only
, for that price you should be able to get a fully functional netbook or even value notebook, but weight advantage will attract serious web surfing addict longing for this kind of light and big screen Mobile Internet Device.For die-hard computer user looking for real netbook with Multi touch screen there is some alternative from Asus and Lenovo.
Asus Eee PC T91SA-VU1X-BK 8.9-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Black)
Asus Eee PC T101MT-EU17-BK 10.1-Inch Convertible Tablet (Black)
Lenovo S10-3t 0651-37U 10.1-Inch Multitouch Netbook (Black)
