Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the company's long-rumored tablet device during a special media event in San Francisco on Wednesday, putting to rest questions about what it would be called: iPad.
The iPad seems to fit with many of the rumors that have been circulating over the past few months. It includes a touch-based interface that matches the iPhone OS, 9.7-inch multitouch screen, and supports Wi-Fi wireless networking and Bluetooth.
Apple's iPad
The iPad ships with several apps that are familiar to iPhone and iPod touch users such as Calendar, Address Book, Safari, Mail, and iTunes. It also includes an iPhoto-like image viewer that supports swipe gestures, an on-screen keyboard that resembles the MacBook keyboard, and supports horizontal and vertical viewing modes, just like the iPhone and iPod touch.
Both Mac and Windows are supported with the device, but Mac users will see additional features, such as Places support from iPhoto. As expected, it also supports movie and music playback.
For users on the go, it offers a built-in digital compass, up to ten hours of usage time, weighs 1.5 pounds, and some models include optional 3G wireless data connectivity support.
Apple will also offer a stand-alone dock stand, a dock with built-in full-size keyboard, an iPad case that doubles as a stand, and a Camera Connection Kit for importing images from digital cameras and SD cards. Since the iPad includes built-in Bluetooth support, Apple's Wireless Keyboard can be used as an accessory, too.
The iPad will be available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions, and will ship in 60 days. It is priced at US$499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, and $699 for the 64GB model.
The iPad with 3G will be available in 90 days, and the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions cost $130 more with 3G support.
[This article has been updated with additional iPad details.]
[Thanks to Engadget for the initial iPad details.]