Well, it has arrived. After years of speculations, wild rumors, and technological advancements.  Apple has released their tablet styled, touch based computer, the iPad.  It is really just a iPod Touch, but faster, bigger, and more versatile.  I think, though I would change some things myself, that Apple has done it again.  They seem to have a great way of doing without certain things that everyone thinks they need, but still deliver the things that people really use in a way people will use them in the real world.  The iPhone had, and still has many things missing that other phones have, but it is the most popular smartphone in the world.  I think this little puppy will cover a lot of ground for a lot of people. It can be a casual web browser, a wonderful display for photographers and designers to show their portfolio, a fun gaming platform and a computer replacement for those who simply, email, web browse, watch video, view pictures and listen to music on their computer. I am looking forward to the unforeseen uses of this device as more apps are written and peripherals are created.

We need a new computer for my wife, we are seriously considering this as a viable option for what she needs in a mobile computing device. Also I would love to have one in the house just for the fun of it.  The price point on this makes is a real possibility for many of us.  $499 is not outrageous for a laptop replacement.  I expect seeing a lot of these on college campuses and even high schools as textbook replacements.  We shall see.

Also I have included a mockup I made up back in November of 2008.  I am certainly off on some stuff, size, ports, but the over all look is actually pretty close to the final product.

You can check and buy the iPad here.