Thought of among other things for e-mail, Web, music, photos, HD video, e-books and maps, the device shouldn't be anything less than revolutionary. The iPad measures 9.56 x 7.47 x 0.5 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds in the WiFi model and 1.6 pounds in the WiFi-plus-3G model. The 9.7" display with LED backlighting is the core element of the iPad with its software-based keyboard (although a real keyboard docking is available). The multitouch-capable 1024 x 768 pixel resolution at 132 pixels-per-inch should excite users. The surface should be fingerprint-resistant with a special oleophobic coating.

The Apple iPad with its measurements.

The WiFi version supports 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth. The WiFi+3G version adds UMTS/HSPDA and quadband GSM/EDGE and provides a digital compass and Assisted GPS. Both versions include an accelerometer and ambient light sensor that can be used by programs. The processor is the 1-GHz Apple A4. Models with 16, 32 or 64 GByte Flash drives are available. A 3.5-mm headphone jack is standard. The Dock Connector with the included USB cable can link with peripheral devices. Macs and Windows PCs are reported as compatible. Regretably the iPad has no integrated webcam.

The WiFi model costs $499 with 16 GBytes, $599 with 32 GBytes and $699 with 64 GBytes. WiFI+3G costs $629 with 16 GBytes, $729 for 32 GBytes and $829 with 64 GBytes. International prices will be announced "at a later date." Orderability is in the way of a sign-up for notification. End of March is the likely availability. The WiFi version should be the first out, with the WiFI+3G version to follow later.

Apple addresses developers for the iPad with an SDK, which is the iPhone SDK 3.2 beta. Functions include an iPad simulator and sample code.