After much hype and speculation the little company from Cupertino announces a device that fanboys have waited decades for...the iPad. The form factor is similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch with the familiar UI (user interface). Apple made a point to note that if you can use an iPhone/iPod Touch then you can use the iPad. Frankly, I do not think it would take much to learn the interface even if you had just emerged from exile in a deep water cave. That being said, the iPad will come in 2 models with 3 capacity variations 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB; all are SSD drives (Solid State Drives also known as Flash Drives). iTunes gets another extension with the introduction of the iBookstore. Avoiding the issues Google is having with publishers, Apple partnered with all major print publishers to populate their e-book store. All books are in the e-pub format, although it would have been nice if they could have emulated something close to an e-ink display. Apple's new device will feature a WiFi only option and an option with both WiFi and 3G. Thankfully, Apple took a page from Google and made the WiFi +3G model unlocked; meaning you can use it with any carrier that supports their cellular specifications. AT&T will over a No Termination Fee Data Plan for $29.99. This is good, however, it is unfortunate that is with AT&T. Hopefully other carriers will follow suit since the device is unlocked. Here are a few of the standout specs for the iPad.
Specs
Size and Weight
0.5 in thick
9.5 in H x 7.47 in W
1.5 pounds for the WiFi only and 1.6 for the WiFi + 3G
Display
Fingerprint resistant 9.7 in (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Wireless
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
3G network specs: UMTS/HSDPA (850/1900/2100 MHz) and GSM/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
Data support only
Processor
1 GHz Apple A4 low power chip (That's right, Apple used their OWN chip!)
Price Points
WiFi Only: 16GB $499, 32GB $599, 64GB $699
WiFi +3G: 16GB $629, 32GB $729, 64GB $829
Battery Life
Apple claims up to 10hrs (WiFi web surfing, video and music playback)
Personally, I believe Apple should have forgone the WiFi only option and offer only the WiFi+3G with a price not to exceed $700. Their target is the general consumer electronic demographic, not power users and therefore Apple's price points are misguided. The iPad will be released within a 90 day time-span. WiFi only model will be released in 60 days and the WiFi + 3G in 90 days.
Quick Pros and Cons
9.7 in fingerprint resistant display-Pro
Multitouch UI-Pro
No Multitasking-Con
Sealed Battery-Con
Unlocked 3G Access-Pro
Backlit LCD Screen-Pro (keeps price "low"), Con (consumes battery life-an AMOLED would have been nice)
No Flash support-Con (I want my Hulu dammit!)
Lowest Price $499-Pro, Highest Price $829-Con (this device does not do enough to warrant a price that could be close to $1,000 after taxes)
Preliminary Verdict
For all of the attention, hype, and mania attached to this device and announcement, I am left wanting more. A familiar feeling-Google Nexus One announcement-was elicited earlier this month. Basically, the iPad is an iPod Touch stretched out to 9.7 inches with 3G capability. Similar to Google's Nexus One, the iPad is a device that may have some trouble living up to its hype. Would I like to have one?-Yes, Will i pay a premium price for one?-No Would I accept it as a gift?-Hell Yes, but who wouldn't? If Apple adjusts the price structure, and works with Adobe to get Flash on the device, then I can see getting an iPad over an Archos or similar multimedia device.
Look for a complete review as the launch date approaches. Also look for a comparison to Slate PCs as more info is released.
Go to www.apple.com/ipad for complete specs and features.
-Edmund