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iPad
File:IPad-01.jpg
The iPad featuring the iBooks application
ManufacturerApple Inc.
TypeTablet media player/PC
Release dateWi-Fi model: March 2010 (2010-03)
3G model: April 2010 (2010-04)[1]
Operating systemiPhone OS 3.2
CPU1 GHz Apple A4[2][3]
StorageFlash memory
16, 32, and 64 GB[2]
Display768 x 1024 px, 9.7 in (25 cm), 132 ppi, 3:4 aspect ratio, XGA, LED-backlit IPS LCD display[2]
InputMulti-touch touchscreen display, headset controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass
CameraNone
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, USB 2.0/Dock connector
3G model also includes: A-GPS, micro-SIM slot, Quad band GSM 850 900 1800 1900 MHz GPRS/EDGE, Tri band UMTS 850 1900 2100 MHz HSDPA
PowerProprietary; iPod Dock Connector
Online servicesiTunes Store, App Store, MobileMe, iBookstore
Dimensions9.56 in (24.3 cm) (h)
7.47 in (19.0 cm) (w)
0.5 in (1.3 cm) (d)
MassWi-Fi model: 1.5 lb (680 g)
3G model: 1.6 lb (730 g)[2]
RelatediPod touch, iPhone
Websiteapple.com/ipad

The iPad is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc.[1] It features multi-touch interaction with print, video, photo, and audio multimedia, internet browsing, and runs most iPhone OS apps.[1] The device has an LED-backlit 9.7-inch (25 cm)[4] color LCD display and uses a virtual keyboard for text input.[1]

History

Apple's development of a tablet computer began with the Newton MessagePad 100, which was introduced in 1993. The effort led to the creation of the ARM6 processor core with Acorn Computers. Apple also developed a prototype PowerBook Duo-based tablet computer named the PenLite but withheld it to avoid cannibalizing Newton sales.[full citation needed][5] Apple brought out several more Newton-based PDAs, and discontinued the last of the line, the MessagePad 2100, in 1998.

File:IPad-02.jpg
The iPad featuring the home screen

Apple renewed efforts to develop a tablet as early as 2000. Apple CEO Steve Jobs canceled the project twice, once due to insufficient battery life, and again due to inadequate memory.[full citation needed][6] After returning from medical leave, Jobs devoted most of his attention at Apple to completing the device, striking deals with print media companies before the product's announcement.[full citation needed][7]

The product was announced on January 27, 2010, at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.[1][8] The device's imminent release had been rumored for several months with iSlate and iTablet among speculated names.[9]

Availability

The iPad is to be available for sale at the end of March (Wi-Fi version, worldwide) and end of April (Wi-Fi + 3G version, in the United States and some other countries) 2010.[1] International 3G prices are to be announced summer 2010.[10] The Wi-Fi + 3G iPad will be unlocked so it can be used on other mobile carriers that support GSM micro-SIMs.[11] 3G will be provided in the U.S. by AT&T and sold with two prepaid contract-free data plan options, the cheaper of which only includes 250 MB of data a month, but it is half the price of the unlimited plan.[12][13] The plans will be activated on the iPad itself and can be canceled at any time.

Hardware

Hardware specifications of Apple iPad
Model Early 2010[2]
Announce date January 27, 2010
Color display 9.7 inches (25 cm) LED backlit IPS LCD[2] 1024×768 pixel (XGA), 132ppi
Processor 1 GHz Apple A4 system-on-a-chip[2][3]
Graphics
Storage 16, 32 or 64 GB flash memory
Wireless Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
3G Internet 7.2 Mbps HSDPA using micro-SIM card tray (3G model only)
Operating system iPhone OS
Battery Built-in lithium-polymer 25 W·h (10 h usage, 1 month standby)
Weight 1.5 pounds (680 g), 1.6 pounds (730 g) (3G Model)
Dimensions 9.56 inches (24.3 cm) x 7.47 inches (19.0 cm) x 0.5 inches (1.3 cm)

Sensors

Input/Output

Controls

Accessories

Apple makes available the following iPad accessories:

  • iPad Keyboard Dock with hardware keyboard
  • iPad Case, which can be used to stand the iPad in various positions
  • iPad Dock
  • iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter for external monitor or projector
  • iPad Camera Connection Kit for transferring photos (PTP) and videos
  • iPad 2A (10W) USB Power Adapter[2]

Software

The iPad comes with these applications: Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, and Spotlight.[14] It also comes with the iBooks application, which displays books and other ePub-format content downloaded from the iBookstore.[15]

Apple's iWork suite has been ported to the iPad; the Pages, Numbers and Keynote apps will be sold for $9.99 apiece in the App Store.[1]

The iPad will run most third-party iPhone applications unmodified, either enlarged to fit the display or in an iPhone-sized area on the screen.[16]

Reception

Media reaction to the iPad has been mixed. Technology weblog Gizmodo lists the drawbacks of the iPad as the lack of a camera, multitasking, Flash animation support and compatibility with T-Mobile 3G in the U.S.[17]

Yair Reiner said the iPad will compete against e-book devices such as the Barnes & Noble nook and the Amazon Kindle while offering 70% of revenue to publishers, the same arrangement afforded developers of the App Store.[18] (A week before the iPad's expected release, the Amazon Kindle store increased publishers' revenue share to 70% as well.[19])

Others said the iPad would also compete with proliferating netbooks, most of which use Microsoft Windows.[20]

Tech reporter Leo Laporte offered a mixed initial review, noting the iPad's fast responsiveness as well as the lack of a camera, video output, USB or Firewire ports, and multitasking, specifically the inability to run a chat app with other applications.[21] He also mentioned the device's "locked down", closed nature, noting that some at the announcement protested Apple's "full control" of the software. He concluded that the iPad should be viewed as an "appliance" for media consumers, not really a computer in the traditional sense.

Walt Mossberg writes "It's about the software, stupid."[22]

Gene Munster predicts Apple will sell three to four million iPads in the first year and eight million iPads in 2011.[23]

Chetan Sharma predicts that 25% of iPad buyers will add a wireless data plan.[23]

Trademark dispute

iPad is also the name of a mobile multifunctional device that has been made by Japanese company Fujitsu since 2002. The device features a 3.5 inch touchscreen, Microsoft's CE.NET operating system, an Intel processor, as well as wi-fi and bluetooth connectivity. It is sold primarily in the United States to retailers to aid clerks in verifying prices, checking real-time inventory, and closing sales. Fujitsu is currently contacting its attorneys over what, if any, action to take against Apple.[24]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Apple Launches iPad" (Press release). Apple. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "iPad - Technical specifications and accessories for iPad". Apple. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  3. ^ a b Brooke Crothers (January 27, 2010). "Inside the iPad: Apple's new 'A4' chip". CNET. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  4. ^ "Apple unveils iPad tablet device". BBC. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  5. ^ "Apple Prototypes: 5 Products We Never Saw". AppleGazette. 28. Retrieved 2010-01-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Ukari Iwatani Kane and Ethan Smith (January 22, 2010). "Apple Sees New Money in Old Media: Steve Jobs's Tablet Device Looks to Repackage TV, Magazines, Just as iPod Changed Music Sales". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  7. ^ http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2010/01/15/the-inside-track-on-apples-tablet-a-history-of-tablet-computing/
  8. ^ "Apple iPad tablet is unveiled at live press conference". The Star-Ledger. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  9. ^ Laura June (January 26, 2010). "The Apple Tablet: a complete history, supposedly". Engadget. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  10. ^ http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/01/apple-announces-ipad-attempts-to-change-the-world.ars
  11. ^ http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/01/27/apple-announces-unlocked-ipads-with-att-3g-support/
  12. ^ "AT&T's no-contract iPad data plans run $15/mo. 250MB, $30 unlimited". Appleinsider. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  13. ^ Roger Cheng (January 27, 2010). "AT&T Gets A Vote Of Confidence From Apple With iPad Win". The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones Newswires. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  14. ^ "iPad Features". Apple. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2010.
  15. ^ Patel, Nilay (January 27, 2010). "The Apple iPad: starting at $499". Engadget. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  16. ^ Rik Myslewski (January 27, 2010). "Steve Jobs uncloaks the 'iPad'". The Register. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  17. ^ http://i.gizmodo.com/5458382/
  18. ^ "Apple tablet due March, to get Kindle-killer book deal?". Electronista.com. December 9, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2010.
  19. ^ Jacqui Cheng (January 20, 2010). "Amazon hikes Kindle royalties to 70%, with a catch". Ars Technica. Conde Nast. Retrieved Janaury 28, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  20. ^ "Apple iPad versus netbook: features compared". PC Advisor. January 28, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2010.
  21. ^ Leo Laporte's ustream page
  22. ^ First Impressions of the New Apple iPad Walter S. Mossberg, All Things Digital, January 27, 2010
  23. ^ a b Cliff Edwards and Olga Kharif (January 28, 2010). "Apple iPad Adds to Pressure on AT&T". Retrieved January 28, 2010. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  24. ^ Tabuchi, Hiroko (January 28, 2010). "IPad? That's So 2002, Fujitsu Says". The New York Times. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
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