Apple announces the iPad

Today, Apple announced the iPad which is their new tablet computer. To put it simply, it's a giant iPod touch.

Image taken from Apple's website.

The specs include a 9.7" IPS screen with a resolution of 1024x768, 1 Ghz Apple A4 ARM processor created by Apple owned PA Semi, 10 hour battery life, and it runs the iPhone OS.

Some apps that it can run that the iPhone and iPod Touch currently do not are the E-Book Reader called the iBookstore, and the new iWork suite which costs $30 ($10 each for Pages, Numbers, and Keynote).

There are 2 models (actually 6). There are 3 standard models with WiFi 802.11n, and they have either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of internal storage. The other 3 models also include a Micro-SIM card (new thing) for wireless 3G data and the prices carry a premium. The pricing for the standard model starts at $499 USD while the 3G version's pricing goes as high as $829 USD. The data plans available are non-contract with AT&T in the U.S.A at $14.99/month for 250MB of data and $29.99/month for "unlimited" data.

Image taken from Engadget's website.

No information has been announced about the iPad in countries other than the U.S.A.

One more thing. Apple claims that the iPad is magical. Last time I checked, magic was able to multitask.