First Look: Apple iPad

The Apple iPad ships this week, and with its arrival, Apple may singlehandedly usher in the era of tablet computing?slate-style devices that look very unlike a typical computer. Bolstered by clever integration between hardware and software--as we've come to expect from Apple thanks to products like the iPhone--the iPad is a multi-purpose slate that holds the potential to be different things to different users. The various pricing options also reflect this: $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB), $699 (64GB). Add $130 to each of these Wi-Fi models for a 3G option in late April. First Look: Apple iPad