Apples Launches the iPad

More than 20 years after the Newton, Apple as finally released another tablet computer system called the iPad. CEO Steve Jobs called it a mix between a smart phone and a laptop at a press conference today in San Francisco. The first versions of the device will be available to the public at the end of March for about $500. The light, half-inch thick iPad can be used for working online, reading books (like an Amazon Kindle), watching videos, listening to music, or playing videos games. It has both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built-in and, according to Jobs, features a battery that'll last up to 10 hours and even hold a charge for a month. The iPad will run all iPhone apps and will have a number of its own apps available to the public soon.

Despite the excitement, iPad already has a lot of critics, many claiming that there are good reasons why tablet computers have never "caught on" the way many people thought they would. In fact, Gizmodo already is saying that the iPad sucks! And, of course, the iTampon jokes are already rolling out at full speed... :)

We think that the Apple iPad seems like a very interesting new device. Plus, we always love to see yet another competitor jump into the ring... especially just as the "smartphone wars" are really beginning to heat up. That can only be good for innovation and lower prices!

Learn some mo': Apple's latest creation: It's an iPad!