The iPad is a tablet style personal computer designed by Apple Inc that was announced in late January. It features a 9.7-inch backlight screen and may be purchased with storage capacities of 16, 32, or 64 Gigabytes. Consumers also have the option of choosing a model with the ability to connect to wifi only or wifi and a 3G data network. The operating system on the iPad is the same as on the iPhone and iPod touch. Users have a wide range of apps that may be used including a mobile version of the Safari web browser, an e-mail application, as well as a new application called iBooks that turns the device into a large e-book reader. Users may also use the app store to purchase free or paid apps from third party companies. The iPad also supports special accessibility features such as a screen reader and support for playing closed captions making it easier for those with physical disabilities to enjoy this device. Prices for this device range from $499 for the 16 Gigabyte model with wifi only to $829 dollars for the 64 Gigabyte model with wifi and 3G network capabilities.
In addition to software consumers will have the option of purchasing external devices such as including a keyboard dock to allow users to use a more traditional keyboard as well as an external monitor connector to allow the device to connect to a standard computer monitor for easier viewing. An adapter is also being made available to allow the device to read data from a Secure Digital memory card so that pictures from digital camera may be uploaded into the device.
The first line of iPads supporting wifi only are expected to be released in late March of 2010 with the wifi and 3G models being released the following month along with a whole mess of Apple iPad accessories like iPad solar chargers and hard cases.