iPad it is: Apple Tablet announced

The Apple iPad has arrived

… well actually the Apple iPad has been announced, as mentioned yesterday - now Apple fans just have to wait…

• iPad has a 9.7″ hi-res LED backlit multi-touch display
• Coming in 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB capacities
• With or without 3G, and Wi-Fi, bluetooth connectivity
• Onboard iPod, accelerometer, microphone, speakers, 30-pin dock connector

Standard built-in apps are things like calendar, contacts, notes, mail, photos – as well as Safari, Google Maps & YouTube integration.

The iPad can run almost 140,000 apps from the iTunes App store, including the ones you’re already using on your iPhone (or iPod touch).  There will be iPad specific versions of iTunes and iWork available.  It can also support an external keyboard to make use easier.

As well, at the event, Jobs announced the new iBooks app (like Kindle on roids & the standard ePub format) which of course, has it’s own iBookstore – with content from the big guns like Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster etc.  iBooks available in the US only at this stage.

Also announced, was the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK for use with the iPad.

They will come unlocked, pre-paid*

• Wi-Fi models shipping in late March.
• 3G models shipping in April.
• *International pricing and carrier availability yet to be announced.

Any iPad downsides?

No multi-tasking… That’s right, still just the one app open at a time.

More iPad info

VIDEO: “The best way to experience the web, email and photos” Apple iPad demo video

Want to know when the iPad is available in Aus? Register your interest at the Apple store: