Apple has just revealed that the company's highly-anticipated new device will be officially called the iPad. It's a combination of a smartphone and a notebook. But it's not a netbook, says CEO Steve Jobs, who refers to that burgeoning category as just "cheap laptops."

The device seems to be exactly what many had guessed: a large-sized, ultra-thin screen that operates much like an iPhone, with the same menu icons, swipe, and touch functionality. It has an on-screen, full-sized keyboard, and an accelerometer for viewing (and typing) in both portrait and landscape mode. It can accept finger inputs much like a physical keyboard; not just thumb inputs onto a capacitive surface.

When I first wrote about the iPad (prior to the confirmation of said name), my concern was the keyboard: why would I want an oversized iPhone with a keyboard that was just as difficult to type on? The iPad's on-screen keyboard is the size of a standard one (or at least similar in size to the latest netbooks), and the screen has 1,000 sensors for multi-touch operation. Still, I won't be confident until actually attempting to type on it myself. Alternatively, for those like me that prefer physical buttons, Apple will be offering a keyboard accessory that connects to the 30-pin adapter, and doubles as a stand for the device. While it doesn't slide into the iPad like I had hoped, it does come with a carrying case for easy transporting.

The screen is 9.7" in size, and employs IPS technology for better colour reproduction and improved viewing angles. The device is just half-an-inch thin, weighs a mere 1.5 lbs, runs on a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, comes with 16-64 GB of flash memory, and affords up to 10 hours battery life.

Essentially, the iPad appears to be a "tricked-out" iPhone, so to speak, adding 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1 EDR, the standard Apple 30-pin connector, a speaker and mic to the aforementioned features. But can it operate via 3G? The answer is yes, and Apple is announcing plans for the device: US$15/mo. for 250 MB of data or US$30/mo. for unlimited surfing through AT&T. This is unlocked and without a contract; presumably, this means one could obtain the device, insert his GSM SIM card, and use it anywhere in the world (eh-hem, including Canada.) As a bonus, AT&T will also permit free usage within any WiFi hotspot: would this include hotels as well?

Apple plans to launch the device internationally by June (hopefully this will include Canada.) In the U.S., the iPad will start shipping with 60 days (90 for the versions with 3G.) It'll start at $499 for the 16 GB version and go up to $699 for the 64GB version (WiFi-only). To get the model with 3G connectivity as well as WiFi, it's a $130 bump for each one.

As expected, the iPad will work with all apps currently on the iTunes App Store: view them as tiny thumbnails in the middle of the screen, or tap them to open it up full screen; everything from Facebook to games. Additionally, Apple has also enhanced its Software Developer Kit (SDK) so that third-party developers can work on creating new apps that fully utilize the large-screen of the iPad. Existing iPhone/iTouch and/or Mac users can also sync those devices with the iPad; presumably, apps that have already been purchased for one of the aforementioned devices can be ported over to the iPad at no additional charge.

There's been much speculation about the role the new iPad would play in competing with eReaders, and indeed, it looks like this new Apple device plans to combat that category as well. The New York Times has already developed an app for the device that would allow you to read the paper in digital format much like you would with the physical paper; except, of course, with the ability to zoom in to enlarge text, and scroll to "flip" through pages. But Apple doesn't stop there. The company has created its own iBooks app where you can download books from several publishers, including Penguin, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster, much like you buy music or videos from the iTunes Store. The format is the standard ePUB, so one would assume you can also upload and read titles from spots like Google's eBook store.

This means iTunes now becomes a source for music, video, podcasts, apps, and ebooks. Am I missing anything?

From a word processing standpoint, there will be a version of iWorks for the iPad; in the U.S., it'll run $9.99 per program, or $30 for the whole suite.

"Green" consumers will be happy to know that the iPad follows the same environmentally-friendly standards as Apple's latest Macs, including being free of harmful materials like mercury, arsenic, and PVC.

What other details are revealed about this new "tablet"? Will Apple also be debuting additional products? Keep refreshing this story for more details as they become available.

Photos: Kris Abel

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