First look at Apple iPad in Action!

Apple does it again… As expected and highly anticipated, Apple announced their new tablet computer dubbed iPad… (see it in action below) With a battery that lasts a month?!?!?!?!?!

For years internet techies have oozed over the possibility of an Apple tablet computer. Until just last year have any of the rumors gained any credence amongst the surfacing of  patents and copyrights suggesting its conception.

And today Apple blew the worlds mind again with the introduction of the iPad. Essentially the iPad is a giant iPhone or iPod touch, but dont let that dissuade you. The iPad is far more conveniant to tote than a typical laptop computer and far more fun to use due to its touchscreen UI (user interface). The iPad is also a far more conveniant tool to actually get things done as opposed to the novelty aspect of the iPhone.

Tablet computers have been around for ages but have never gained much popularity outside of small niche circles like doctors or construction workers. The biggest reason for this is the inconvenience of the stylus input and typing or handwriting translators being somewhat “unfriendly”

see it in action below:

Apple decided to stick with an iPhone type OS rather than Snow Leopard, which may have been smart due to the unpopularity of tablets running windows, and this makes it much easier to use as an interactive touch device.

Apple does seem to have the Midas touch when it comes to reinventing a genre of technology so on the surface we should at least exxpect the iPad to be the next big thing in the tech world and everyone who shelled out for a Kindle will be wide eyed with envy when these things hit the streets in March.

Apple also debuted an e-reader application for the iPad as well as a bookstore within iTunes.

The iPad has a 10 hour battery life and can reportedly be left on standby for a MONTH. It will utilize flash memory rather than an internal hard-drive which helped keep it size minimal as the iphone weighs in at only 1/2 in. thick and 1.5 pounds and comes equipped with a 9.7 in HD screen. It will come in 16, 32 or 64 GB versions starting at only $499.00!!!!

The lasting effect of this device in the long run remains to be seen but it seems that just as the iPod changed music and the iPhone changed mobile communication that the iPad will not change but create a niche that people will wonder how they did without. My prediction is that this will be the first step in the journey towards the elimination of the keyboard and mouse as our tech devices will become more and more intimate and interactive.