News: iPad: It’s Real

The world stopped turning this week for as CEO Steve Jobs finally unveiled the mythical Apple tablet, dubbed the iPad, a 9.7-inch device that essentially resembles a big iPhone.

- an unexpected move from a company that was previously using chips designed by Intel. The dedicated ‘A4′ chip reportedly delivers improved graphical and processor performance while maximising battery life.

Apple says the iPad is designed for browsing the web, reading and sending email, viewing photos and videos, listening to music, playing games, and reading e-books, with Jobs claiming it’s uses his company’s most advanced technology in a ‘magical and revolutionary device.’

“iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before,” he said.

With 12 apps included out of the box, including a version of iWork, Apple is encouraging third-party developers to come up with software tailored especially for the larger device.

iPad comes in two versions-one with the latest 802.11n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G that supports speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks.

Available in late March worldwide, suggest prices in US dollars will be $499 (US) for the 16GB model, $599 (US) for the 32GB model, $699 (US) for the 64GB model. The Wi-Fi + 3G models of iPad will be available in April in the US and selected countries for a suggested retail price of $629 (US) for the 16GB model, $729 (US) for the 32GB model and $829 (US) for the 64GB model.

Want one? Does it live up to expectations? Tell us your thoughts about the hallowed iPad below.