Apple iPad hands on

Steve Jobs shows off the new iPad at an Apple event. It looks like an iPhone on steroids.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

In US the iPad comes in models ranging from 16GB to 64GB. All versions will have Wi-Fi, but 3G connectivity is an optional extra. Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only models is US$499, US$599 and US$699 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, respectively. 3G versions will be US$130 more.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Wi-Fi models will start shipping in the US in February and the 3G models are set to come out a month after that. Australian availability and pricing has yet to be confirmed.

(Credit: Apple)

The top edge of the iPad houses a standard 3.5mm headphone jack; the bottom features Apple's standard 30-pin iPod connector port, which is used for charging the device and syncing with other computers. There are also three speaker ports on this edge.

(Credit: Apple)

A closer look at the dock connector on the bottom of the device.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Next to the headphone port on the top side of the iPad is an integrated mic.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The screen lock is also found on the top edge.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The right edge of the iPad houses a dedicated volume rocker and a mute switch.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The wireless functionality is a huge selling point for the iPad and many of the features depend on it. Here, Jobs demonstrates that you'll get full-on web browsing, rather than the mobile-optimised version found on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The Facebook app, now on iPad.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The iPad's virtual keypad is ample and is available in landscape mode.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Media is a huge part of Apple's portable experience, so it's no surprise that it takes centre stage on the iPad. Here's a view of the photo-browsing app.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

And if anything, the iPad is much better for portable video-viewing than the iPhone and iPod Touch thanks to the much larger screen.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

Naturally, Apple wasn't going to let all those iPhone/iPod Touch apps go to waste. There's some scaling and tweaking required, but iPad owners can expect a store full of 140,000 (and counting) apps to choose from.

(Credit: Apple)

One of Apple's main goals with the iPad is to take on the Kindle and other e-readers. Of course, its big selling point is its colour screen. It mightn't be as easy on the eye as the Kindle's electronic ink, but it does allow for a unique browsing experience, such as the Bookshelves view in Apple's new iBook store.

(Credit: Apple)

The iPad isn't all play, and no work. Apple will have a special iWork package available for the tablet. The pack is priced at US$99; this image shows a demo of the Keynote presentation software.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

It's not for everyone, but one thing is for certain: Apple's step into the tablet space will not go unnoticed. Don't be surprised to see a slew of copycats cropping up over the coming months or — dare we say it? — better and cheaper tablets from other manufacturers.

(Credit: Apple)

Want a dock and full-size physical keyboard? That'll be extra.

(Credit: Apple)

The App Store on the iPad's 9.7-inch IPS screen.

(Credit: Apple)

The iPhone's calendar is horribly cramped and starved for pixels; that's not an issue on the iPad.

(Credit: Apple)

The email application has been updated to show both the list view and mail simultaneously.

(Credit: Apple)

Google Maps looks little changed.

(Credit: Apple)

"HD" quality YouTube videos can be viewed on the iPad.

(Credit: Apple)

Like the Mail app, Notes has been upgraded to take advantage of the extra pixels and physical real estate.

(Credit: Apple)

If all else fails, the iPad makes for a nice digital photo frame.

(Credit: Apple)

The New York Times website in all its full fat glory. Shame then that we find the mobile version easier to navigate.

(Credit: Apple)

Via CNET US