Apple releases iPad tablet starting at $499
Wednesday, January 27 2010 @ 2:50 PM ET | Article Link
 Apple introduced the world to their new creation today, the iPad tablet. Due to ship in 60-90 days, the iPad is 0.5" thick and has a 9.7" display, your choice of 16, 32, or 64GB flash storage, 10 hour battery life, and an Apple-developed A4 1GHz processor. It's kind of like a large iPhone/iPod touch with a souped up version of the iPhone OS. Wi-Fi, a compass, and an accelerometer are included as well. There is no camera. The OS will include new version of iTunes including Apple's new eBook service called iBooks, and Apple developed an iPad version of their iWork software available for $9.99 each. All current iPhone OS apps will work on the iPad, and it syncs to your computer via USB, just like the iPhone or iPod touch.

3G models will be available for an extra $130. 3G service, with AT&T, starts at $14.99/month for 250MBs of data, and there is also an unlimited plan for $29.99 per month. No contract is required, and service can be terminated at any time.

The $499 model includes 16GBs of flash storage. 32GBs is available for $599, and a 64MB model will sell for $699.

Apple is placing the iPad in a category between MacBooks and iPhones. It's potentially the ultimate personal entertainment device, with the option to get some real work done on occasion.

The iPad is not yet for sale at The Apple Store. Apple stated that the Wi-Fi models would ship in 60 days, while Wi-Fi + 3G models would ship in 90 days. We'll of course let you know the moment the iPad is available for sale at Apple or any of their resellers.