Apple's iPad hits stores April 3; a new online video world?

Apple has announced its long-awaited, overdue, deified, reviled iPad tablet (WiFi only at this point) will go on sale in U.S. stores April 3. The 3G models become available later in April. If you're not into the "stand-in-line-and-make-new-friends" social scene that has become de rigueur for all new technology launches of late, you can also pre-order your iPad starting March 12 from Apple's online store or for in-store pick up April 3.

The WiFi-only line includes three models; 16GB for $499, 32GB for $599 and 64GB for $699. Add 3G to the mix and the price heads north pretty quickly; 16GB is a whopping $629, 32GB is $729, and 64GB is $829. And you get the dubious privilege of paying for an AT&T network connection-if you want the 3G functionality.

The online video industry is eagerly awaiting iPads's arrival, expecting a burt of activity in usage and innovation to accompany it. It could effectively bridge the abyss between the mobile screen and the PC screen, spurring demand for more on-the-go programming.

In case you need a refresher, the iPad:

  • Has a 9.7-in. display with a 1024-by-768 pixel resolution at 122 pixels per inch
  • Is 9.56-in. tall and 7.47-in. wide.
  • Is 0.5 in. thick and weighs 1.5 lbs.
  • Has a multi-touch interface
  • Advertises a 10-hour battery life
  • Comes with a dozen apps, including the iBookstore and iTunes
  • Is No. 1 on my Christmas Wish List

For more:
- see this release

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