The iPad Says Hello

For some time tech-heads around the world have wondered just what Apple might have in store with their rumored entry into the tablet PC market.  Although many manufactures have tried their hand at introducing such touchscreen-friendly computers into the market before, none have managed to find success, outside the geekiest circles where normal humans seldom travel.  It’s with a strange sense of irony that Apple (formerly Apple Computers), despite having a miniscule market share of computer users, have managed to innovate and integrate the home computer market through their devices, using iPods and iPhones to help change the way people interact with their once-cold, gray electronics.

Many had pegged the device to be little more than a simple upgrade to their current iPod Touch, only with a larger screen and subsequent features that would benefit from such an expansion.  As it turns out, that’s almost precisely what they’re getting with the larger, more powerful and immediately recognizable iPad.

Comparing the iPad to the iPod Touch isn’t a slur, as most that’ve used Apple’s popular alternative to the more-expensive, subscription-costing iPhone have fallen in love with the display, interactive multi-touch screen, and thousands upon thousands of playable apps and games.  Apple seems to have recognized the device’s versatility and built the iPad experience around it, adding significant features that help blur the line between a simple (but effective) device and the resourcefulness of increasingly popular, less-expensive netbooks.  The result is something new, a technological hybrid that seems to combine the portability of a laptop, only with the immediacy of an iPod Touch.  Toss in the ability to access 3G networks (see below) and you’ve got the most desirable Frankenstein of technology ever offered in a tablet form, and one that just may change the way we look at computers.  Again.

Those looking for actual specifications will want to know the iPad is just 0.5” thin and weighs just 1.5 pounds.  The actual display is a beautiful 9.7” IPS screen (the same used in the current-generation iMac computers).  The device is powered by Apple’s own Apple Chip, the A4, a multi-function processor the company is touting to be the most powerful they’ve ever created.  The iPad also comes with 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Compass, microphone, and a battery life up to 10 hours of playtime.  Apple also mentioned the device can be kept in ‘sleep mode’ for a full 30 days without charging.

One substantial and immediate feature the iPad has going for it right away will be full 100% backwards-compatibility with every iPhone and iPod Touch application currently available through the App Store.  The iPad will offer users the ability to view and experience them inside a virtual (i.e. scaled down) box onscreen or zoomed full-screen with the virtual touch of a virtual button.  As the iPad (like the iPod Touch) lacks a built-in camera, games and apps requiring that feature probably won’t function fully, although (unlike the iPod Touch), its built-in microphone should help make some of the iPhone’s voice-capable apps work like a charm.

Apple also mentioned that the iPad will also play all apps and games you’ve already purchased on your iPhone or iPod Touch, thanks to a unified account via the iTunes Store.

Another feature that Apple is touting heavily is their much-anticipated venture into the world of e-book reading, which the iPad is fully capable of doing.  In fact, Apple even referenced Amazon and their own Kindle device directly, saying “we’re going to stand on their shoulders and go a little further.”  To that effect they showed an ambitious digital bookstore, complete with an Apple-style aesthetic (virtual bookshelves) and partnership with leading book publishers like Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Shuster, Hachette, and others.  Also announced is that the iPad will use the e-pub standard, meaning textbooks and other e-media can be easily transferred to the device.  Apple comes into the market with a substantial advantage, iTunes, and it will be interesting to see how their entry will impact the growing world of e-book purchases.

The onscreen display looks nice in images and video, and while the iPad’s display is certainly beautiful, reading books on a digital screen is a completely different experience than paper, and I’m curious how it will compare to other devices like the Kindle or the Nook.

Apart from the expected full-integration of iTunes into the iPad’s native operating system for music and high-quality video downloads (and experiencing), many had expected Apple to make greater inroads into the lucrative gaming industry, those who followed the announcement may have been disappointed with what was actually shown.  The two real highlights of the iPad’s gaming potential were Gameloft’s already-available first-person shooter, N.O.V.A. (see our review), and a larger demonstration of EA’s racing sensation, Need for Speed: Shift.  Both titles were said to be (or going to be) optimized to take better advantage of the iPad’s larger screen and faster processing power, both features that Apple hopes will help attract newer developers to publish more iPad-only games through the iTunes store.

Perhaps the single most impressive aspect of the iPad concept is its ability to access 3G network, direct from the device itself.  Apple’s current iPhone partner, AT&T, will provide access to their growing 3G networks.  Users can choose between two different 3G subscription plans, with limited 250 MB for $14.99 monthly or $29.99 for unlimited access.  Both plans will also access to AT&T’s WiFi-enabled hotspots.  But the real kicker is that no contract will be required for service; Apple has made what they’re calling a true ‘breakthrough’ with AT&T and will be offering 3G service on monthly, prepaid plans that can be cancelled at any time.

It’s worth nothing that not every iPad will have access to 3G networks, as Apple will sell less-expensive, WiFi-only equipped devices.

Other options that are sure to be irresistible for those looking to spend some quality writing time with their iPad is the insanely smart idea of adding a docked, full-size keyboard.  As someone who’s often struggled with my iPod Touch’s good, but tiny, onscreen keyboard I can’t tell you how excited I am to see Apple address this issue up front.  While the inclusion of a near-full-size onscreen keyboard with the iPad itself will undoubtedly be more than enough for most users, those of us addicted to the real thing should be very excited.  I wonder if the docking keyboard (which uses the standard Apple connector) will be backwards-compatible with both iPod and iPod Touch devices as well?

Apple also showed a stylish black case that allows the iPad to be positioned upright, guaranteed to make movie watching and/or music listening in fixed positions more comfy and convenient.

But even the most amazing device in the world can't live up to its full potential without a decent price-point, and it’s here that Apple was most surprising...mostly.  While many tech-heads had pegged the iPad to cost over $999, Apple has instead opted for a tiered pricing scheme that should make the device (relatively) affordable to most who will want one.

The tiers will be based on memory capacity and 3G accessibility, and will once again mimic those of the current iPod Touch options.  Adding the ability to access AT&T’s 3G networks will cost an additional $130 right out of the box, while both models will feature standard WiFi (802.11n) for internet access.

WiFi Only:  16 GB ($499), 32 GB ($599), 64 GB ($699)
Wifi + 3G:  16 GB ($629), 32 GB ($729), 64 GB ($829)

Apple states they will start shipping the standard WiFi-only models of the iPad sometime within the next 60 days, while those wanting full WiFi + 3G access will have to wait up to 90 days before they’re able to pick one up for themselves.

Apple certainly has something interesting with the iPad, and while those looking for an immediate technological jump may come away disappointed, it’s clear that whatever gains the device makes are more evolutionary than revolutionary.  The core functions of a consumer-oriented computing experience, such as web-browsing, email, audio + video, gaming, have been effectively reduced to their most base elements, and served up in one attractive and immediately touchable package.  As someone who’s fallen head over heels in love with my iPod Touch and the wonderful versatility that comes with it, I’m intrigued about what’s possible with the iPad.  Being able to effectively ‘rent’ 3G access for the device alone merits excitement and now comes the waiting game to see how the rest of the industry reacts to Apple’s latest technological salvo.

For more information on the Apple iPad and to watch the debut trailer, head over to the official website right HERE!