Will Apple's iPad Become Next Iconic Mobile Device?

The Apple iPad has finally taken the stage, with Apple chief Steve Jobs touting it as the perfect mobile device for those who want more than an iPhone, less than a netbook. Datamation columnist Mike Elgan breaks all the iPad hardware and software down for you -- and weighs in on why he thinks it will radically transform how we use media.

In what passes for "historic" here in Silicon Valley, Apple CEO Steve Jobs today unveiled his long-awaited iPad, an iPhone-like touch tablet. You've seen the speculation, rumor, hype and baloney. Finally, here are the facts – boiled down to 60 seconds of reading.

The iPad will cost $499, $599, or $699 without 3G, depending on how much storage you choose, or $629, $729 or $829 with 3G capability. It will be available for purchase in 60 days for the non-3G version and 90 days for the 3G version, according to Jobs. You'll be able to buy it at the Apple store, the Apple web site, or wherever you might buy an iPhone. It will be available internationally in June, according to Jobs.

Jobs rolled out 3G data plans via AT&T $14.99 for 250 MB per month or $29.99 per month for unlimited data. You can activate the wireless data plan without interacting with the carrier. There's no contract, and you can cancel anytime.

iPad Hardware

The iPad has a 9.7-inch IPS full capacitive multi-touch screen. It's a half-inch thin, and weighs a pound and a half. Like the iPhone 3GS, it has both accelerometer and compass.

It's powered by an Apple-developed 1GHz A4 chip. It will come with 16, 32 or 64 GB of storage. The iPad supports 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11n wireless and Bluetooth 2.1. It has both speaker and microphone. It has a 30-pin connector. It supports GSM microSIMs.

The battery gives you 10 hours of battery life with more than a month of stand-by time, according to Jobs, who claims the iPod is highly environmental, devoid of toxic components.

Read the full story at Datamation.com:
The Complete Apple iPad in 60 Seconds