Maybe it was inescapable: after releasing the iPod and iPhone, Apple has recently unveiled another product in its "i" series: the iPad. The iPad is a "tablet computer" whose function greatly resembles Apple's iPod Touch. Basically, a tablet computer is what it its name suggests: a flat mobile computer with a touchscreen or an electronic pen. Apple plans to release the WiFi version of the iPad in March of 2010, and the WiFi 3G model during the following month.

iPad Specifications

Here are a few of the key specs of the iPad, which you need to know:

Height: 9.56 inches
Width: 7.47 inches
Depth: .5 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds (Wi-Fi)
1.6 pounds (Wi-Fi 3G)
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Pixel resolution: 1024 x 768
Capacity: 16GB/32GB/64 GB flash drive
Processor: 1 Gigahertz
Accessories: dock, keyboard dock, case, camera connection kit

iPad Pros

1. Look and feel.

One of the main benefits of the iPad is that it has the fantastic feel and look, which it shares with the iPod and iPhone. If you liked how those past products fit directly into your hand, then you'll definitely be pleased with the iPad. The touch-screen interface complements the larger screen well, letting you conveniently use the array of iPad applications.

2. Speed.

In this Information Age that we live in, we need to have a constant flow of information. With the iPad, it is possible to easily go online, open various applications, resize windows, and so forth. In fact, users will be delighted at how quickly and easily they can use the cornucopia of applications that the iPad provides.

3. iWork.

With Apple's iWork office suite, work can actually become fun. Whether you need to have a word processor, spreadsheets, or presentation software, iWork can make it convenient and convenient. This feature makes the iPad greater than a mere gadget for surfing the net or playing games. Of course, the iPad's games still remind us of that saying about "all work and no play".

4. Flexibility.

The iPad basically fuses a few of the best elements of the iPhone and laptop computer. For instance, the larger screen provides more applications than you'd have with the iPhone. And whether you need to flip through pictures, music, or video, it can be done much more easily on the iPad, than via a laptop.

iPad Cons

1. No flash video.

With the iPad, Apple has tried to maximize the efficiency of Web surfing and multimedia functions. But among the results is the possible lack of flash video embedded in the web pages. You'll feel that something's missing in your Web browsing-because it is!

2. Battery life.

The official word from Apple is 10 hours. But if you're extensively using applications such as video, expect that figure to be significantly lower.

3. Multi-tasking (or lack thereof).

In particular, the IPad lacks a webcam, or perhaps a simple digital camera!

4. Unoriginal name.

You could have guessed its name before Apple supplied it.

Basically, if you were a fan of the iPod and iPhone, then you'll likely love the iPad. If you're not necessarily one of those individuals, then the iPad might be an iFlop.