Apple has released it latest gadget, the Apple iPad. This much awaited and speculated gadget looks set to take over as the ultimate ebook reader but wait there much more. This gadget could also mean an end to netbooks.

So, what can you actually do with an iPad ?

Watch movies, view photos, send emails, surf the web, watch videos on Youtube, listen to music, read ebooks, play games or just spending time checking out all the apps available on the iPad app store. The iPad also has basic personal management utilities like a calendar, contacts, notes and GPS maps.

Specification of the iPad

It features a 9.5 inch HD multitouch screen with a thickness of only half an inch and weighing 1.5 pounds. It also features a 1Ghz Apple processor and Wifi capabilities.

The device also has an inbuilt compass, accelerometer, bluetooth, microphone and speakers. Most of the 1.4 million apps available on the iStore will work on the iPad. The 1024 by 728 pixel touch screen works similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Battery will last for about 10 hours of watching movies or browsing the Internet with Wifi on.

How much does the iPad cost ?

The pricing for the iPad is set at $499 for the 16GB, $599 for the 32GB and $699 for the 64GB versions. 3G is also available for the iPad but will cost an additional $130. AT&T has 3G subscriptions available at $30/month but the device is not locked with them.

Shipping is expected to start in late March for the Wifi version while the 3G version will be out in April.

Check out the iPad at Apple