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It’s not an iSlate, but it is a tablet computer. On Wednesday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs was in peak form when he introduced what was hyped as one of the company’s most important product launches to date — the iPad.<\/p>\n
\nThe tablet with prices starting at $499 won’t be available until March, so it’s too soon to gauge consumer response. But some analysts expect Apple to sell millions of the high-resolution multi-touch devices this year.<\/p>\n
\n“iPad is our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price,” Jobs said. “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.” <\/p>\n
Moving Into Kindle Territory<\/p>\n
\nWith the iPad, Apple is trying to create a product that naturally fits into a consumer’s life, according to Bryan Gonzalez, a technical project specialist at the Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California.<\/p>\n
\n“I think because the iPad is so versatile, different people will use it different ways. Honestly, Apple just needs to have their fan base purchase the product and use it,” Gonzalez said. “Only then will the iPad be put through its paces. And just like the iPhone and iPod, word of mouth, product reviews will speak for the product.”<\/p>\n
\nApple has done well with appeals to its loyal fan base and the word of mouth that historically follows. Now Apple is moving into a territory dominated by Amazon.com and its Kindle reader. Apple also launched the iBooks app for the iPad along with the iBookstore, which Apple is billing as the best way to browse, buy and read books on a mobile device. Will it work?<\/p>\n
\n“The Kindle is designed for one specific task: reading. It has an E Ink screen that… <\/p>\n
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