Pretty much as expected, Apple has announced a new tablet computing device. It's called the Apple iPad and it'll be available in the USA from late March, with a mobile 3G version arriving in April. International versions will be available from June, which is when we expect to see it officially in the UK.
The overall impression is of a giant iPhone with a 9.7-inch multi-touch 1024 x 768 pixel screen. It has a 1Ghz custom-designed processor, battery life is a maximum 10 hours and there are three memory options: 16GB, 32GB or 64GB flash storage. External dimensions are 243mm x 190mm x 13.4mm; weight will be from 680g depending on the model.
Built-in software includes Apple's Safari web browser, email, photo and video viewers, an iPod music player, mapping, a note pad, calendar and contacts. It'll also run applications from the Apple App Store. In addition, Apple has created an iBooks app and an iBookstore that'll let users buy electronic books, newspapers and magazines.
US pricing is from $499 (£309) for a WiFi-only 16GB model to $829 (£514) for the WiFi+3G 64GB version.