Statesman

Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: Variety

Media Credit: Courtesy of Apple/SUBMITTED The release of Apple's new gadget causes stocks to rise as consumers take notice.

On Jan. 27 Apple introduced the iPad. This revolutionary device works like an iPod Touch, but is more advanced. With a height of 9.5 inches and a width of 7.5 inches, people are able to use this iPad like they would any computer or laptop.

The iPad can be used to search the web, check your mail, download music and apps from iTunes and view photos, videos and maps. The features of the iPad are endless, along with the various apps you can get for it at the App Store.

The question on most people's minds is how well does this product really work? Unless you're an Apple executive or employee, you won't be able to know exactly how well or not well it works. As of right now you can't order the iPad, but you can submit your e-mail address to be notified when it will be available.

With just the rumors flying around before the actual unveiling of the iPad, Apple stock went up to a record high according to the Los Angeles Times. Once the iPad was unveiled, Apple's stock went down slightly but then rose once the iPad price was released, which is $499, according to www.CNNMoney.com.

If you're not an Apple fan, then this might not matter to you. If Apple is your brand of choice, then the iPad is something to look into. The iPad is thin and light, has up to 10 hours of battery life, can connect to wireless internet and will be available with 3G.

I'm a huge Apple fan, but what I question is whether or not this product will attempt to replace computers. The iPad is a lot thinner and lighter than computers, which is a nice thing, but how hard would it be to use it in class without a keyboard? It has a keyboard on it that you can use, but it's a touch keyboard. I don't know about most people, but I still have yet to master the touch keyboard on my cell phone, so this doesn't seem that great to me.

On the other hand though, there is a dock that you can use to stand the iPad on, plus you can use Apple wireless keyboards with it. In addition, the iPad comes with an iPad case that allows you to use it in various positions, such as propping it into a standing positing.

No matter how you use it, the iPad is going to give Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook a run for their money. Both the Kindle and Nook are about $259. If you like Apple's products, why not spend $240 more for the iPad? This may seem like quite a bit more money, but in comparison, the iPad has additional features that the Kindle and Nook can't provide.

There are a wide variety of features the iPad has to offer. It's almost like a glorified iPod Touch, but bigger and better. If you're willing to spend $499 on it, then it's worth the money. If you're not or don't have the money, there's always holidays and birthdays to ask for it.

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