FINALLY.
As expected, Apple just released their newest product to the masses. It’s called the iPad (really, Apple?). Rumors of an Apple tablet have been swirling since 2003, so it’s exciting to see a product with this much hype behind it finally launch.
While a tablet computer is nothing groundbreaking, Apple again is looking to redefine the way we view and interact with content on their new device. Just like how the iPod changed the way we listen to music, and the iPhone changed the way we quiet screaming children, Apple is betting their new iPad will change the way we use media — especially movies, games, ebooks, magazines and newspapers. Will it work? Time will tell, but my money is on “most likely.” It’s going to hit a real niche of buyers to who want the ultra-mobile lifestyle at an affordable price point.
Some specifications for the new iPad device include:
• 9.7″ IPS Display, 0.5″ Thin, 1.5 Pounds
• 16-64GB storage capacity, 10+ hours of battery life
• It can run just about all iPhone/iPod Touch apps (and iWork) out of the box, basically functioning like a big ‘ol iPhone
• WiFi & 3G connection
The iPad will be available for purchase in about two months and starts at $499. 3G data plans will be supplied through AT&T and will range in price from $14.99-29.99 a month without a contract.
Head over to Apple.com/iPad for the full release! Be sure to watch the video to see it in action.
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I was so not impressed until I saw the video. WOW. I will happily live at home for much longer to pay for all my Apple toys.
3:03 pm
Really? I guess I was expecting much more than this. Idk. My iPhone and Powerbook work fine for me now. And still no Flash!
4:07 pm
I agree, Jake. I was kind of hoping for something more, perhaps full OSX capabilities w/ Flash.
I think it will be a hit though, especially at that price point. I was kinda surprised to see it having 3G, especially w/ a microphone and speakers — there’s nothing stopping anyone from using it as a Skype or Google Voice device and cutting out a good chunk of their phone bill.
4:23 pm
Yeah buy they might look like a total douche talking into a 10 inch screen. I know it has bluetooth. It is just a funny mental image.
4:27 pm
Hahaha, agreed.
4:30 pm
Can we also take a minute and talk about it being with at&t still? did anyone else’s heart drop? I foresee many issues with that decision…
4:36 pm
much ado about nothing.
I hope none of my friends buy this- they’ll never hear the end of it.
4:41 pm
This is exactly what I expected. What did you expect?
I really don’t get what all the negativity is coming from everywhere.
And it’ll have flash. I refuse to believe that won’t happen. Adobe has already made a Flashplayer for the iPhone that Apple hasn’t implemented. For something like this, they’d be crazy not to allow Flash. If they don’t though, fail.
4:57 pm
Guess I was wrong on this one. #dummy
8:20 pm
Yea, the decision to stick with AT&T was kind of hard to believe, but it makes sense if you think about it. Most likely no other carrier would have stepped up to give Apple that sort of pricing with no contract obligations.
I really have no problems with AT&T here in Pittsburgh, but I know a lot of people who are extremely frustrated with their service (or lack thereof). Once the AT&T exclusivity ends with the iPhone and Verizon/T-Mobile pick it up, the iPad’s 3G service will probably follow along with it.
I’d be really excited about this product if I were a college freshman. Hopefully the ebook distribution will take off into that arena and students wont have to drop $150 on a math book anymore.
4:58 pm
I expected Apple to push the boundaries of technology. Yes this is beautiful looking and it gets 10 hours of battery life.
But, no multitasking; awkward 4.3 size makes widescreen movies which are a standard, look even weirder with the huge bezel. I think the home button is in a bad location. It makes sense on an iPhone but why there? I think the books cost too much. On a Kindle or Nook they are at most $9.99. Apple didn’t even touch on how this device fits into the scheme of the rest of my Apple products. Besides Mobile Me which I guess is essential now for users with multiple macs, how is this going to make my life better? This idea just seems a little half baked for me. I don’t know if my expectations were so high because of what they did with the iPhone, and how Android is changing the market or if blogs over-hyped this product to the ends of the earth.
8:24 pm
I don’t really understand all the negativity as well, though I do agree Jake, it does seem maybe a little half baked. I think we’ll have to wait the two months to see how it interacts with all the other Apple services.
It’s an interesting device though in terms of productivity. At a $500-$700 price point, I would consider this to be a serious product to actually get work done on as an alternative to a laptop. Users like my Mom and Dad would fall in love with this.
Sure the books are a little more expensive compared to the Kindle, but again, at a $500 entry point. You REALLY can’t beat everything that it does. It’s worth every penny.
So am I personally going to purchase one? I don’t think this version. But give it a year or two, a front-facing camera for video conferencing, Flash functionality, a bit more storage, and apps/3rd party tools to make the iPad a stylus/drawing pad and I’m WAY more than sold. :)
8:56 pm
@ Tony. If it turns into that in a few models I’ll be in line right behind you.
9:44 pm
It doesn’t have a USB Port!!! They expect you to get all your data from their stores, shelling out allllll your money… wtf people?! Plus, they made a proprietary card reader! Would it kill them to at least let you put your data on their device without charging you an arm and a leg?
10:32 pm
when we heard “ipad,” my friend mercedes thought, “is that what female robots use on their periods?” muaha.
seriously though, it’s like that louis ck appearance on letterman (?) when he says “everything is amazing, and nobody is happy”! everyone needs to stop whining about all the reasons why this device won’t work for them. don’t want it? don’t buy it. i probably won’t buy one until it gets flashplayer/drawing tablet capabilities, etc. because i just don’t have the need for it. that’s all. let’s not deny that this is a big leap into the future for apple, and for the way we live our ever-so-mobile lives. think about it, the ipod was janky when it first came out, now look at it. this thing is only gonna get better. hooray!
and honestly, about the at&t business, they have to KNOW that people are frustrated with their coverage. and now with this added partnership, hopefully they know it’s time to start building more towers and whathaveyou to keep people (and apple) appeased. they already have that ‘hotstop’ iphone app where you can send at&t a message with your location if your service drops. hope they’re listening. i’ve had at&t since my first cell phone and never had a problem with it. must just be good service in ohio?
11:23 am
WAIT ONE SECOND…you have a friend named Mercedes?
11:28 am
I really hoped that ipad will feature some drawing capabilities. In fact I was sure It will have when I saw teaser visual for keynote..
Now I’ll wait to see if some drawing apps and some pen will be available in future releases.
Drawimg features would finally replace and organize chaos with all this papers with notes and sketches I leave around :)
4:29 am