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Apple unveils its iPad computer Apple unveils iPad tablet device
(10 minutes later)
Apple has put an end to weeks of fevered speculation by unveiling its long-awaited tablet PC, which it has called the iPad.Apple has put an end to weeks of fevered speculation by unveiling its long-awaited tablet PC, which it has called the iPad.
Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive unveiled the touchscreen device at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco.Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive unveiled the touchscreen device at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco.
Mr Jobs described the tablet as a "third category" between smartphones and laptops.Mr Jobs described the tablet as a "third category" between smartphones and laptops.
The device, which looks like a large iPhone, can be used to watch films, play games and browse the web.The device, which looks like a large iPhone, can be used to watch films, play games and browse the web.
Mr Jobs told an audience of journalists, analysts and industry peers that the device lets people "hold the whole web in your hands". The firm has also done a deal with publishers including Penguin, Macmillian and Harper Collins to allow e-books to be downloaded directly to the device through a new iBook Store.
"You can download right onto your iPad," said Mr Jobs.
He also showed off magazines and newspapers on the device.
He told an audience of journalists, analysts and industry peers that the device lets people "hold the whole web in your hands".
"What this device does is extraordinary. It is the best browsing experience you have ever had," he said."What this device does is extraordinary. It is the best browsing experience you have ever had," he said.
iPAD SPECS 9.7 inch- (25cm-) multi-touch display1 GHz Apple processor16-64 GB of flash memory0.5in- (1.25cm) thickWeighs 1.5lbs (0.7kgs)iPAD SPECS 9.7 inch- (25cm-) multi-touch display1 GHz Apple processor16-64 GB of flash memory0.5in- (1.25cm) thickWeighs 1.5lbs (0.7kgs)
The device has a 9.7-inch multi-touch display and Apple claim it has a battery life of 10 hours. The device has a 9.7-inch multi-touch display, allowing people to type directly on to the screen, as well as manipulate pictures and move control the action in games with their fingers.
Apple claim it has a battery life of 10 hours.
It also has the firms iTunes software built in, allowing users to purchase songs and movies straight to the device.It also has the firms iTunes software built in, allowing users to purchase songs and movies straight to the device.
It also allows users to download apps, in a similar way to the iPhone. People with both can synchronise their apps between the two devices.It also allows users to download apps, in a similar way to the iPhone. People with both can synchronise their apps between the two devices.
"We think it's going to be a whole other gold rush for developers," said Scott Forstall, who runs Apple's app division."We think it's going to be a whole other gold rush for developers," said Scott Forstall, who runs Apple's app division.
Apple revealed that more than 3bn apps have been downloaded from its App store.Apple revealed that more than 3bn apps have been downloaded from its App store.
The launch puts to rest months of speculation and rumour in the blogosphere.The launch puts to rest months of speculation and rumour in the blogosphere.
Apple - famous for its secrecy - had remained silent in the run up to the launch, unwilling to release any details publicly.Apple - famous for its secrecy - had remained silent in the run up to the launch, unwilling to release any details publicly.


What do you think of the Apple iPad? Would you be tempted to buy it? What impact will it have on the computer world?What do you think of the Apple iPad? Would you be tempted to buy it? What impact will it have on the computer world?
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