The iPad will be available in two versions and three formats for a total of six different configurations. The Wi-Fi-only version has WiFi 802.11n connectivity and a Bluetooth 2.1 module. The 3G version has also a phone module with a slot for the GSM sims capable of 3G data connectivity.

All the iPad will come without operator or sim lock, but AT&T already has a monthly contract for the cost of $29. During June/July, other agreeements with different companies will be announced.

The prices: The iPad will cost $499 for the 16GB base version, $599 for the 32GB version and $699 for the 64GB version. For the 3G versions, the prices are $629, $729 and $829 for the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions respectively. The iPad Wi-Fi will be available in 60 days. The 3G version will be available in 90 days, around the end of April or the first week of May.

So Apple’s event held yesterday was indeed to present the iPad, the official name for the famous Apple tablet. Steve Jobs introduced it as the best device for data sharing: music, video, mail, pictures, games. It has iTunes with completely different graphics, thought out specifically for the new format. Also integrated is Youtube with their new HD format.

The device unlocks like the iPhone and integrates Safari in a more evolved version than the one present on the iPhone, although it does not feature Flash. All the known softwares have been enhanced in order to offer the best experience in a device this size. Mail is similar to the Mac OS X version, with a left column for details and the main mail window on the right.

The photo application interface is really interesting. Besides synchronizing automaticalyl with iPhoto, it’s completely multi-touch with many gestures that were studied in order to optimize the interaction. The iTunes interface is now expandable and it introduces a new mode called Pop Over, which allows users to view the information about the song being played.

Also the calendar application has been enhanced: new appointment viewing modes that are similar to the iCal from Mac OS X. The iPad also has an integrated Maps application (and although it does seem to be based on Google’s services, Steve Jobs didn’t mention it).

The device also allows users to buy movies, TV series, music videos and songs, and apparently it will also be possible to buy e-books directly from the e-book application. The device measures 5″ and its screen is a 9.7″ multi-touch display, like the iPhone, with 10 hours of battery duration. The processor was specifically designed for it, it’s called Apple A4 and it has 1GHz. It’ll be available in 16Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb versions, all of those with Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth. No mention to a GPS antenna just yet.

All the iPhone applications are completely compatible with the iPad without the need of adaptation. When the user buys an iPhone application, it is directly brought to the iPad as well. The developers will have a good piece of work if they want to, in order to adapt their application for such a large screen.

Here are some pictures and the official presentation video, found on the official iPad website. Enjoy!

Click on the thumbnail to view the full image

This post is just a reminder that in a few hours, we’ll get to know more about the Apple Event - “Come See Our Latest Creation”. The hype about the catch phrase is already at its max, and soon we’ll finally find out what this latest creation is. The Tablet Mac, or iPad, iSlate, and the many names that it was known as until now? A new version of the iPhone OS? A new MacBook line? We’ll have to wait and see.

Stay tuned and we’ll bring you more news as soon as we get them.

AppleInsider has published an article which states that Apple has released a new version of their Mac OS X 10.6.3. The build is called 10D538 and it’s been released to developers. The update should solve many problems in several areas, including QuickTime X and Logic Studio. According to AppleInsider:

“More specifically, people familiar with Friday’s beta say it includes an update to QuickTime X that, when finalized, will improve security and compatibility while simultaneously enhancing overall reliability. The release will also include tweaks that aim to enhance the performance of Apple’s 64-bit Logic pro audio suite. Other planned improvements include better compatibility with third-party printers and OpenGL-grounded applications, those same people say”

Only one big bug remains on the current build, the one that comes with the photo view in Front Row. The Mac OS X 10.6.3 will bring OpenGL 3.0 support, which should result in a significant enhancement in video performance. For now, the launch date for the update is still unknown.

Apple has officially confirmed the event that rumors had claimed would take place on January 27th. The date is correct, indeed, and it will be held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco at 10am local time.

The invitation cover says “Come see our latest creation”, a sentence that brings curiosity and interest. Will it be the now highly awaited Apple tablet? We’ll see it in 9 days, of course.

According to Kevin Soh from Reuters, the Apple Tablet, now rumored to be called iSlate, could not only be launched by the second quarter of this year, but one of its versions could feature an aluminium case, following the classic Apple style. According to the Reuters sources, two Taiwanese companies, TPK Solutions and AVY Precision Technology Inc would be engaged in manufacturing components to Apple’s new tablet. The first would be working on the touchscreen panels, while the latter would be starting the manufacturing of aluminium cases for the new Apple device from next month.

Even though the assembling takes little time, always according to Reuters, the launch dates for the tablet would likely be around the second trimester of 2010. Considering what was said by the Wall Street Journal, it’s plausible to think that the new product by Apple will be launched around March/June this year.

Apple has started to send the build 10D522 for the Mac OS X 10.6.3 to a limited number of developers (premium and select), launching the first official new beta of Mac OS X Snow Leopard, version 10.6.3. According to some developers that have received the release, Apple has solved around 255 issues with the update, that should have more than 650 MB.

The update should be aimed at specific parts on the OS: Monitor Preference, iTunes, ColorSync Utility Filters, and so on. There were rumors of this update a month ago, but it seems Apple decided to postpone the launch for after the Christmas Season. The last upgrade for Snow Leopard (10.6.2) was released around two months ago.