I have received a couple promo emails from Apple today, and thought perhaps I’d pass it along here.

The iPad will be shipping April 3rd.

Some of you can’t wait. I am going to wait. I am excited to play with it, but I really think that this will be a bit like the iPhone, and version two will be much improved. Early adopters and tech lovers should definitely pick up the first gen edition (the one coming April 3rd…) but it’s not a bad idea to wait, either.

That said, I definitely know where I’ll be on Saturday, April 3rd. 🙂

Well it is finally here. The long-awaited, oft-rumored Apple tablet. It’s called the iPad. (iPad? Is that really the best name for it?)

Though Apple calls this new gizmo “magical,” I must admit, I’m still not impressed.

I’ve never been one calling for the tablet. I just don’t get it. I don’t need such a device. Granted, it looks amazing, and seems like it’s a lot of fun… but I don’t need it. Why was/is there such a demand for this?

Some basics:

1. 9.7″ display, Multi-touch interface
2. 10-hour battery life
3. Mac OS and iPhone OS combined, runs iWork suite, iPhoto, Mail, iCal, iTunes, etc
4. Runs all applications from the App Store (for iPhone/iPod Touch)
5. iBook app (and store) for reading ebooks (akin to Amazon Kindle)
6. Wi-Fi and 3G models, from $499 to $829.
7. Unlimited data from AT&T for $29.99/mo. (Or other plans, incl. free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots.)
8. DOES NOT have phone, camera, multi-tasking (using multiple apps at once)

So, one thing I will give them is the price. I think that’s lower than most people expected, and a tad lower than I did. A ton of functionality (including some accessories) and the great multi-touch interface, only better.

But I still don’t get it.

Check out the video demo at Apple’s site. (Maybe that will help me understand?)

The device will be available in 60 days (and 90 days for the 3G models).

I will at least be planning to test drive one at our local Apple store… 🙂

If you’ve followed this blog for very long, you know that I am a huge fan of all things Apple. In previous years (with fewer kids? fewer jobs?) I would follow the Apple rumor sites (like this one) and report diligently on the speculation of others, and even my own. (That was a pretty good one, actually… that I still think they will do… you just wait!)

Well, over all those years… a few rumors have persisted even though the rumored product or service never actually appeared. For example, the Apple phone was a long-rumored device before we were introduced to the iPhone in 2007. There are still a few unanswered rumors out there… the Beatles on iTunes… iTunes subscription service… my Apple TV… (OK, maybe that’s just my rumor.) 🙂

One that will apparently come true tomorrow is the verrrry long-awaited “Apple tablet” computer. It seems to be a perfect blend of laptop and iPhone, with the touch-screen interface and a super-portable design. Seems like it could be pretty amazing. (See leaked photo above…)

Tomorrow at 1PM ET (10AM PT, local time) Steve Jobs will be announcing the next great thing from Apple. I believe the Apple invite says, “Come see our latest creation.” Neat. I believe I will!

Follow along tomorrow at:
macrumorslive.com
live.gizmodo.com
engadget.com (probably… though can’t find direct link)

For a good “roundup” of the rumors, check out this article.

As expected, Steve Jobs did not make an appearance at the latest Apple keynote. However, many product updates did take center stage!

No time to detail it, but here are some highlights:

• New iPhone: 3G(s) (“s” stands for “speed”, says Apple)
• Same prices, but current iPhone (3G, 8GB model) will sell for $99!
• Tons of cool new iPhone apps for the app store, involving the new features of iPhone OS 3.0 (several with GPS locating/mapping stuff)
• Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) was covered, will be released in Sep. $129 as usual, but will be $29 for current Leopard users! Crazy.
• Other interesting tidbits: Will take up 6GB less space on your computer, uses 64-bit processing much better, everything is just faster.
• Speaking of faster, new MacBook lineup announced: Featuring, new 13″ MacBook Pro, 500GB 7200rpm hard drives, unibody design allowing for 1,000 battery charges (normally about 300). Processors up to 3.06GHz. 8GB RAM. Oh, and starting at $1699.

There’s more, and in previous years, I would elaborate a bit more, but for now, check out Macworld’s coverage. They do a good job. 🙂

And, go visit your local Apple store.