The Apple iPad Announcement

By Amanda Pendolino on January 27th, 2010

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Geeks everywhere are freaking out about Apple’s live announcement at 1 PM EST today. According to ABC News, Apple is finally expected to announce the launch of a tablet computer. Tech analysts predict that CEO Steve Jobs will reveal a thin slab with a roughly 10-inch multi-touch screen.

Leander Kahney, author of Inside Steve’s Brain, thinks many people will be a little disappointed, at least initially. “I expect, like all Apple products, it might be a little bit pricey, but when software developers start to put some really cool apps in the app store, and people see what you can do with this thing, with your fingers, I think it’s really going to take off.”

The new computer has been referred to as a tablet or slate - and according to CNN, industry gurus predict that the new gizmo will be called iPad or iSlate. The computer is expected to cost less than $1,000. Would you buy one? I’m intrigued.

PC World reportsthat Apple might also debut a new class of device based on the iPod Touch and an updated version of the iPhone OS that uses a larger screen (10 or 11 inches diagonal, perhaps 7) to provide a multitouch, gesture-based media slate for e-books, electronic magazines, Web browsing, video playback, and apps.