Tech Right Now: Apple roundup, iPad is finally here

So its been a hectic few hours. Apple has finally unleashed its iPad tablet. Heres the things you need to know. First of all its has 9.7 inch capacitive screen with full multi-touch capabilities. Its resolution is 1024 x 768 meaning that everything just looks crisp and clear. Swiping, gesturing, the whole lot. Its powered by a custom Apple A4 processor running at 1GHz which should last for around 10 hours of full use or a month idle. Every iPad will be Wi-Fi n enabled with Bluetooth connectivity however there will also be three models which will utilize 3G. Three storage capacities will be available. 16GB, 32GB and 63GB. Other features include accelerometer, compass and syncing via USB to a Mac or PC.
On the software side, it seems to be running a modified version of the iPhone OS with full compatibility with all current iPhone apps which are upscaled for the higher resolution screen of the iPad. There will also be some exclusive iPad apps which will take advantage of the extra horses running around inside such as new games courtesy of Gamesloft and EA. iWorks will also be available which will address the productivity side of the device.
Another major software feature is the iBook application. Apple will be launching its very own eBook store which means it is going to be competing directly with Amazon and its Kindle. The iBook app will allow users to directly purchase books from the iPad. The cool features of the app is the ability to change font of the writing making it easier to read. Coupled with smooth transition effects, this easily trumps the kindle. However how battery life compares is another matter.
One place where the iPad excels is in the web browser. It is running a customized version of Mobile Safari which has been very well adapted for this screen. Scrolling is very smooth as well as page rendering which is top notch. One thing missing is Flash. It seems again that Apple has deprived its users of Flash content on the web.
The major noticeable feature that is not included in this device is the ability to multi-task. With other devices such as the HP Slate able to do full multi-tasking with Windows 7, its still boggles our minds why Apple has still left this out of both the iPhone and now the iPad. Maybe if we wish enough, an update may change this.Also there are no cameras meaning that there will be no video conferencing from this device.
Lastly the launch date of the device is 60 days away for the Wi-FI only models and 90 days away for the Wi-Fi with 3G models. With pricing very affordable at the lower range of the lineup, just starting at $499 for the 16GB model, i can see this becoming a very popular mainstream device. Full pricing details in the images after the break. A full Apple iPad review to come soon. Keep posted for more details.