IPad: Information from Answers.com Mobile

iPad

(1) See also iPod (Apple's music player).

(2) A very popular tablet computer from Apple, introduced in April 2010. The iPad has a similar interface to the iPod touch and iPhone, but with a large 10" screen, enabling it to replace a laptop for many purposes. Designed for Web browsing, e-book reading and entertainment (720p HD video), flash-based storage holds up to 64GB of data. In March 2011, the thinner, faster iPad 2 added two cameras for video calling (for more details, see iPad 2).

For people who do not need cellular access to the Internet, models come in Wi-Fi-only. For users who do, data plans for the Wi-Fi/3G version are available from AT&T and Verizon in the U.S.

Hundreds of Thousands of Apps

The iPad runs most iPhone/iPod touch applications intact and will scale them to the larger screen; however, apps written specifically for the iPad take advantage of the larger screen. All built-in apps (Web browser, mail, etc.) are designed for the iPad's larger screen. See tablet computer and iPed.

Another Apple Best Seller

Although tablet computers have come and gone, Apple's iPad upset the "Apple cart" once again like it did with the iPhone. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

iBooks on the iBookshelf

The iPad competes with Amazon's Kindle and other e-book readers but does not have the extended battery life of devices that use electronic paper displays (see E Ink). However, Amazon also has an iPad app for its Kindle users. (Image courtesy of Apple Inc.)

Download Computer Desktop Encyclopedia to your PC, iPhone or Android.