 The iPad featuring the iBooks application |
|
| Manufacturer | Apple Inc. |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet media player/PC |
| Release date | Wi-Fi model: March 2010 (2010-03) 3G model: April 2010 (2010-04) |
| Operating system | iPhone OS 3.2 |
| Power | Internal rechargeable non-removable 25 wHr lithium-polymer battery; iPod Dock Connector |
| CPU | 1 GHz Apple A4 |
| Storage capacity | Flash memory 16, 32, and 64 GB |
| Display | 1024 x 768 px, 9.7 in (25 cm), 132 ppi, 3:4 aspect ratio, XGA, LED-backlit IPS LCD display |
| Input | Multi-touch touchscreen display, headset controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass |
| Camera | None |
| Connectivity | Wi-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 |
| Online services | iTunes Store, App Store, MobileMe, iBookstore |
| Dimensions | 9.56 in (24.3 cm) (h) 7.47 in (19.0 cm) (w) 0.5 in (1.3 cm) (d) |
| Weight | Wi-Fi model: 1.5 lb (680 g) 3G model: 1.6 lb (730 g) |
| Related articles | iPod touch, iPhone |
| Website | apple.com/ipad |
The iPad is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. Similar in function to an iPod Touch with four times the display area, it will allow multi-touch interaction with print, video, photos, and audio; connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi and, on certain models, 3G; and will run apps designed specifically for the iPad as well as most iPhone OS apps. The device will have an LED-backlit 9.7-inch (25 cm) color IPS LCD display and use a virtual keyboard for text input The iPad was announced on January 27, 2010, and pending FCC approval, is to be released in March 2010 (WiFi-only models) and April 2010 (WiFi + 3G models).[1][6]
History
The 1993 Apple Newton MessagePad 100
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 didn’t release it to market as the company didn’t wish to affect sales of the Newton MessagePad. Apple brought out several more Newton-based PDAs, and discontinued the last of the line, the MessagePad 2100, in 1998.
Development of the iPad continued following t
he discontinuation of the MessagePad 2100. Parts of this development process, especially relating to the development of iPhone OS, were combined with that of the iPhone and iPod Touch, and integrated technologies Apple had acquired from its acquisition of FingerWorks in 2005.The product was announced on January 27, 2010, at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. The device’s imminent release had been rumored for several months with iSlate and iTablet among speculated names.
Three days later, at the 52nd Grammy Awards, Stephen Colbert used an iPad in announcing the first nominee.
Availability
Micro-SIM Card used in the iPad and a Mini-SIM used by most cell phones
In an e-mail to customers at the time of launch, Apple wrote[12]
Application availability and pricing are subject to change. This device has not yet been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
The iPad is to go on sale at the end of March 2010 (Wi-Fi version, worldwide) and end of April (Wi-Fi + 3G version, in the United States and some other countries).[1] International 3G prices are to be announced summer 2010.The Wi-Fi + 3G iPad will be unlocked so it can be used on other mobile carriers that support GSM micro-SIMs. 3G will be provided in the U.S. by AT&T and sold with two prepaid contract-free data plan options: one for unlimited data and one for 250 MB/month at half the price. The plans will be activated on the iPad itself and can be canceled at any time.
Price
| Model | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Wi-Fi | $499 | $599 | $699 |
| iPad Wi-Fi + 3G | $629 | $729 | $829 |
Hardware
Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, introducing the iPad
Back of iPad
| Product | Apple iPad | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | WiFi model | 3G model |
| Release date | Late March 2010 | Late April 2010 |
| Announce date | January 27, 2010 | |
| Color display | 4:3 9.7 inch (20 cm × 15 cm) IPS LCD with LED backlight | |
| Graphics | 1024 × 768 pixels, 132 ppi | |
| Processor | 1 GHz Apple A4 SoC | |
| Storage (flash) | 16, 32 or 64 GB | |
| Wireless | Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR | |
| Cellular | — | HSDPA using micro-SIM card tray |
| Operating system | iPhone OS 3.2 | |
| Battery | Built-in lithium-polymer 25 W·h (10 h usage, 140 h music playback,one-month standby | |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds (680 g) | 1.6 pounds (730 g) |
| Dimensions | 9.56 inches (24.3 cm) x 7.47 inches (19.0 cm) x 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) | |
Sensors
- Accelerometer
- Ambient light sensor
- Digital compass
- Assisted GPS (3G model only)
Input and output
- Cellular with micro-SIM card tray (3G model only)
- Dock connector
- 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
- Built-in speaker
- Microphone
Controls
- Multi-touch touchscreen display
- Sleep button
- Mute
- Volume rocker
- Home button
Optional accessories
Apple will sell several iPad accessories, including:
- Keyboard Dock with hardware keyboard, 30-pin connector, and audio jack
- Case which can be used to stand the iPad in various positions
- Dock with 30-pin connector and audio jack
- Dock Connector to VGA Adapter for external monitor or projector
- Camera Connection Kit for transferring photos (PTP) and videos
- USB Power Adapter with 2A (10W)
Software
Like the iPhone, with which it shares a development environment (iPhone SDK, or software development kit, version 3.2 beta onwards), the iPad will only run software downloaded from Apple’s App Store. The iPad will run almost all third-party iPhone applications unmodified (they can be displayed at iPhone size or enlarged to fill the iPad’s larger screen) developers can also create apps specifically for the iPad’s features.
The iPad will come with the following applications: Safari, Mail, Photos, Video, YouTube, iPod, iTunes, App Store, Maps, Notes, Calendar, Contacts, and Spotlight. It will also include the iBooks application, which displays books and other ePub-format content downloaded from the iBookstore. Apple has ported its iWork suite from the Mac to the iPad; the Pages, Numbers and Keynote applications will be sold for $9.99 apiece in the App Store.
Reception
The iPad displaying images from a digital photo album
Product name controversy
Like the iPhone, the iPad shares its name with existing products. The most publicised of these relates to the Fujitsu iPAD, introduced by Japanese company Fujitsu in 2002. This is a mobile multi-functional device sold to retailers to help clerks verify prices, check inventory, and close sales. Fujitsu applied for the trademark in 2003 but this was hampered by the mark already being owned by Mag-Tek. Fujitsu’s application was listed as “abandoned” in April of 2009. As the ownership, if any, of the mark is unclear. Fujitsu is consulting attorneys over what, if any, action it may take.
In the first few days after the iPad’s release, some media and many online commenters criticized the name iPad, noting its similarity to “pad”, the common name for a sanitary napkin.
Wired News said some women said this would make them less likely to buy the product.Shortly after the launch announcement, the hashtag “iTampon” became the number-two trending topic on the social networking site Twitter This is in contrast to IBM/Lenovo’s ThinkPad line of computers that while also open to a similar name comparison have not to date widely attracted this type of public comment or criticism.
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