When Apple made their first public showing of the iPad device back in January, Steve Jobs easily helped lead a trumpet of media speculation and interest right where he wanted, effectively giving his latest creation untold levels of free advertising and gaining the public interest. He demonstrated what many felt was the next evolution of the popular iPhone/iPod Touch experience, and with its larger display and expanded abilities, was set to challenge how people interact with computers.
But when it came to availability, Jobs spoke in vaguer terms, saying it would be released "60 days" after its unveiling, to be followed by the release of the 3G-enabled version 30 days after that. Since then, rumors of delays have caused some to wonder if they would made that ambitious timetable, but now it seems we can put those rumors to bed, as the company has officially bookmarked the first week of April for the official launch. April 3rd, to be exact.
The iPad is coming, and keep reading for all the juicy details that help make this Apple so delicious!
Starting March 12th, those looking to pick up Apple's latest gadget can pre-order one from Apple's online store, or by visiting an Apple retail store directly. Apple's official press blurb touts the iPad's ability to immediately sych with and access thousands of existing music, video, and interactive media that's already available through iTunes, as well as full backwards-compatability with over 150,000 Apps, including those already purchased by current iPhone and iPod Touch users.
Apple is touting the device's e-book reading features, and will launch with the free iBook App, which will give iPad users access to thousands of available books to buy and read from publishers that include Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group and Simon & Schuster. Videogame fans can expect updated versions of hit iPhone OS games, including Gameloft's N.O.V.A. and EA's Need for Speed: Shift, which will include new features that take advantage of the larger display.
The pricing of the standard WiFi model will be staggered according to capacity, starting at $499 for 16 GB, $599 for 32 GB, $699 for 64 GB models. The press blurb goes on to say that the Wi-Fi + 3G models will be available in late April for a suggested retail price of $629 for 16 GB, $729 for 32 GB and $829 for 64 GB models. The 3G-enabled models share the ability to buy 3G wireless access from partner AT&T, with pricing set at $14.99 for 250 MB and $29.99 for unlimited access.
Is the Apple iPad the future of portable computing? Or just the future of computing, period? Certainly, their previous entries into the world of music, video, and gaming have shaken the technology trees on more than one occassion. Only time will tell if the public is willing to take another bite with this one.
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