"We'd like to show it to you today for the first time. And we call it the iPad."
After months of speculation, Apple has finally unveiled its tablet-style device, called the iPad.
Apple Chief Executive, Steve Jobs introduced the new product on Wednesday as a "third category" device between laptops and smartphones.
[Interview : Steve Jobs, Apple CEO] "In order to really create a new category of devices, those devices are going to have to be far better at doing some key tasks."
The device which some observers describe as a "mobile revolution" combines various innovative features and elements that consumers have come to expect and demand from Apple.
The half-inch thick tablet that only weighs 6-hundred-80 grams can run the latest movies, games and television shows on its 9.7 inch touchscreen.
Posing a threat to Amazon.com's leadership in e-books Apple has announced a new application called iBooks where users can buy books from major publishers such as Penguin and HarperCollins.
And most suprisingly, the company will be offering the iPad for as low as 499 US dollars for a 16 gigabyte hard drive.
The "third category" device is also creating tension in related mobile industries especially in the netbook market as it incorporates various functions of different portable devices.
[Reporter : Kim Un, Analyst
Woori Investment & Securities ] "We believe that portable devices currently sold in the market such as netbook and the portable multimedia playerwill now be on the decline. We forecast that the tablet PC, especially Apple's iPad will stand in the center of the mobile market in the future."
However, consumers are showing mixed reactions over the new Apple gadget.
[Interview : Eric Bodner, Consumer] "I carry newspapers. I carry an iPod. I carry a blackberry. I carry a phone. It's somewhat annoying, so it would be much easier. Simplicity."
[Interview : Carl Samet, Consumer] "The MacBook Air wasn't so impressive and this seems like another MacBook Air."
The iPad is expected to be released in the US and other markets around the world in late March.
Eoh Jin-joo, Arirang News.
JAN 28, 2010
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Thursday, SEP 09, 2010, (KST) 
