Apple iPad - I told you so!

Apple just announced their fabled "iPad" and it looks like a winner to me. 

Of course, if you refer back to my previous posts, you'll see that the most important aspects were covered nicely:

1. Price - without 3G the price range is between $499 and $699 - EXACTLY what I predicted in December.

Also, what Apple SHOULD do - but probably can't, is offer a tethering option for iPhone users just like I wrote about months ago, that would allow them to use their phone data plans with the wifi-only version for no extra charge. Think about it - why should I have to pay for a data plan for both my iPad and my iPhone, when we all know I can't possibly use these suckers at the same time. It would be a great offering.

2. Text input - UX - Apple appears to have addressed the input and user experience questions extremely well. Only time will tell, but with a great onscreen keyboard, gesture-based UI to the max, as well as accessories like the Kickstand, and Aux BT keyboard in place, I think this thing will FLY off the shelves.

3. Actually, there were no surprises after all. We've all talked about and known what was needed to make a compelling tablet - low price, great UX, deal with issues like text input and data plans. So the real event here was that Steve Jobs could get us all worked up about making an obvious product, and doing it right!

Get ready for a wild ride once developers start cranking out iPad apps!