Welcome Apple Inc's new iPad "Holding the Internet in Your Hands" (NASDAQ:AAPL)

It's here, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has done it again, the iPad is ready for the masses and only costs $499, it promises to be the ultimate interet experience and better than any laptop available.

(NYTimes.com) After months of wild speculation, Steven P. Jobs has finally given Apple fans exactly what they have been asking for — a new iPhone-like tablet computer called the iPad starting at $499.

The question now is whether regular consumers will buy the iPhone-like device, which starts at $500 and can cost as much as $829.

Mr. Jobs, appearing energized but gaunt, a result of his ongoing health challenges, unveiled the iPad at a press event here on Wednesday morning. Its features and specifications, once the stuff of Internet myth, are now sharply in focus: The half-inch thick, 1.5 pound device will feature a 9.7-inch multi-touch screen and is powered by a customized Apple microchip, which it has dubbed A4. The iPad will have the same operating system as the iPhone and access to its 140,000 applications.

The price of the device will start at $499 for the most basic model, with a Wi-Fi wireless connection. More expensive models will be offered with more memory and with 3G wireless access from ATT, which will charge up to $30 for an unlimited monthly data plan.

Wi-Fi-only versions of the device will be available in March, Apple said, with the more expensive 3G models coming 30 days after that.

The most expensive models, with 64-gigabytes of memory and 3G connectivity will cost $829.

However, the device lacks a camera, the ability to make phone calls and does not work with the ubiquitous Flash software that runs many Web sites. Apple is selling accessories such as a stand and a keyboard.

SOURCE:   http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/technology/companies/28apple.html