The Apple iPad - Touch Tablet PC

In January 2010, Apple announced their first touch tablet computer, the iPad. It has been an exciting annoucement because of the potential use of the table. Most users describe it as a cross between a smartphone and a laptop computer. It is similar in function to the iphone and iPod touch, but is much larger and more powerful than both and those who wish to be facitious likens the iPad to a large iPhone. Some of the technical specifications indicated on the new Ipad includes a modified version of the iPhone operating system and because of the iPad's larger screen, the interface has been redesigned so users can take advantage of the screen. The built-in applications on the iPad were designed with the user in mind and takes advantage of the large Multi-Touch screen and advanced capabilities of the iPad which are said to be more advanced than any other tablet of its type.

Technical Specifications of the Apple IPad

The iPad is a half-inch thick and weighs in at 1.5 pounds, with a 9.7 inch (25 cm) LED backlit multi-touch display with a pixel resolution of 1024×768, 16 to 64 gigabytes (GB) of flash memory, a one gigahertz (GHz) Apple A4 processor (with a 10-hour battery life and a month of standby), Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11n WiFi and optional 3G, as well as an accelerometer and a compass. The iPad has an external port that connects to a 30-pin dock connector to sync with iTunes and connect other wire accessories, a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio listening, a speaker and microphone.

The device is managed by iTunes, just like the iPhone -- you sync everything over to your Mac or PC. The iPad can run users iPhone apps either pixel-for-pixel in a window or pixel-doubled fullscreen. Developers can also target the new screen size using the updated iPhone OS SDK. The 3G version runs on AT&T and comes with new data plans for example: 250MB for $14.99 and an unlimited plan for $29.99 a month contract-free. Activations are handled on the iPad, users can activate and cancel usage at any time. The iPad is unlocked and comes with a GSM "micro-SIM," so you can use it abroad, but keep in mind there are not many international deals in place right now, but Apple will be updating that information regarding as it becomes available.

The iPad will only run software downloaded from Apple's App Store. The iPad syncs with iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC. The iPad comes with the following applications: Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes Store, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, and Spotlight. Although, the iPad is not designed as a cellphone replacement, a user can pair it with a Bluetooth headset and place phone calls using a VoIP application over Wi-Fi or 3G.

Depending on what users require in terms of storate, the Ipad will come in 16, 32, and 64 GB sizes. There's also a keyboard dock, which connects underneath the device to support up to 1024x768 VGA out and 480 pixel composite out through new dock adapter cables, and a camera attachment kit that lets you import photos from your camera over USB or directly through an SD reader.

The iPad also comes equipped with external buttons for sleep, screen rotation lock and controlling the volume as well as a button that will return the user to the home screen. Early users of the iPad complained about the battery life which prompted Apple to offer battery replacement service. The device demands a battery life of more than five times than that of the iPhone 3G's battery capacity possesses. Because the Apple iPad will be used most of the time off of the power cord, the battery life will be a big factor in its success.

Apple announced that it would not only replace the battery, but will also replace the entire iPad for $99.00, plus $6.95 in shipping and handling for a total cost os $105.95. Provided your iPad has not been damaged as a result of an accident or negligence, you will be eligible for the battery replacement program. In other words, if your iPad breaks in ways that are not related to the battery, it won't be eligible for the replacement program (unless it's still under warranty). If you use the company's battery replacement program, you will receive a refurbished iPad back that has a exterior case. Additionally, you will need to back up all your data before sending your device because it will be wiped clean and then sent back to you. The entire process usually takes about a week. Users can extend the life of their battery by disabling power hungry features such as Location Services and Wi-Fi.

Apple iPad Prices

The Apple iPad pricing starts off at $499 for a 16GB ipad. If you want to double the store, your will pay $599.00 for a 32GB ipad and if a user is wanting the most storage for their money, the 64 GB iPad can be yours at the price of $699.00. If a user is wanting to add 3G connectivity it will cost them an additional $130.00 per model. To provide users with what the overal cost of each model would be with the addition of the 3G package: the most expensive model (64GB / 3G) will jump to $829.00, the 32GB model with the addition of 3G connectivity will be $829.00 and the 16 GB, $629.00. Keep in mind these prices are only for the additional 3G AT & T cellphone network, but the data packages to use this technology will add additonal costs to your purchase package.

The Wi-Fi + 3G iPad will be unlocked so it can be used on other mobile carriers that support GSM micro-SIMs so users will be able to use their own SIM cards. The 3G service will be sold without the user having a contract. Data plans will be prepaid with data options that include unlimited use at $29.99 per month and 250 MB of data use for $14.99 a month. The plans will be activated on the iPad itself and can be canceled at any time.

Apple's iBooks Store For iBooks

The iBooks is an e-reader application built into the iPad with a bookstore (called iBook Store) using the ePub format. Book prices are showing to be anywhere from $9.99 to $14.99. The store will be available only in the United States, but Apple does have plans to expand to other countries. The iBooks application displays a bookshelf with all the titles of your ebooks showing. When you tap on a book to read, you can tap on the right orleft edge of the page to flip it or drag it manually. Additionally, there is a button on the bookshelf which allows you to be able to purchase books from Apple's iBookstore. iBooks has an integrated search feature, a built-in brightness control, and a dictionary that can pull up any word just by tapping on it.

Apple is also pre-loading the iBook Store with 30,000 free public domain digital books that are compatible with the ePub format. This will allow users to access public doman books easier because they will be able to go directly through the iBook Store. The ibooks app will not come installed on the iPad, but will be available for downloading free from the App store.

Apple iWork

iWork is Apple's productivity software suite, which includes Keynote presentation (slides), Numbers (spreadsheets), and Pages (word processing). Pages can be re-arranged by tapping and dragging your finger. There is also support for Microsoft Office documents which means you can import and manipulate Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Because the iPad can only run one application at a time, each of the three main components of the suite – the Pages word processor, Numbers spreadsheet, and Keynote presentation manager will be sold separately for $9.99 each. Some users are looking at the iPad as a possible laptop replacement if the user sees it as a mobile business work station. Industry experts warn against it because the programs are not fully functional as they would be on a MacBook, iMac or MacPro.

Optional Accessories

Apple will sell several iPad accessories that include a:

• Keyboard Dock with hardware keyboard, 30-pin connector, and audio jack.
• A case which can be used to place the iPad in various positions.
• Dock Connector to VGA Adapter for external monitor or projector
• Camera Connection Kit including a USB Type A connector adapter and an SD card reader, for transferring photos and videos
• USB Power Adapter with 2A (10W) Software Like the iPhone, with which it shares a development environment (iPhone SDK, or software development kit, version 3.2 beta onwards)
•Apple Wireless Keyboard
•Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic
•Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic
•Apple Composite and Component AV Cables