Apple launches new iPad

Computer giant Apple launched its iPad device today, claiming it bridged the gap between the laptop and the smartphone.

At a press conference in San Francisco, Apple's chief executive, Steve Jobs, unveiled the black touchscreen tablet device designed for browsing the web, watching videos, sharing photos and reading eBooks.

The slim black device resembles a larger version of Apple's iPhone and features a 9.7in (24.6cm) display with a touchscreen Qwerty keyboard which appears on screen for typing emails.

Mr Jobs demonstrated the device live on stage, browsing YouTube, Google maps, its built-in iTunes store and even played Disney's Pixar's animated film 'Up'.

Powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 chip, the iPad weighs just 1.5lb (680g) but includes a speaker, microphone, accelerometer, compass, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity and promises a 10-hour battery life.

Scott Forstall, from Apple's iPhone apps division, said the iPad can run any of the iPhone's apps (applications), downloaded from the iTunes store - allowing users to synchronise their existing apps.

He described the potential of the iPad's larger screen as a "gold rush" for software developers.

The iPad can also be used as an electronic reader (eReader) offering new possibilities for the publishing industry.

Jim Sloane, lead technology partner at business advisory firm Deloitte, said the iPad - and other upcoming tablet devices - could have a detrimental impact on the traditional eReader's market.

He said: "The rise of the net tablet could impact other segments, such as growth of the nascent eReader market. For every million net tablets sold there could be a corresponding impact on eReaders."

However, British eReader manufacturer Interead, who produces the Cool-er device, disagreed.

Neil Jones, chief executive of Interead, said: "I have no doubt that the launch of Apple's new device will have a great impact on the technology industry.

"However, we don't believe it will bring about the demise of the 'traditional' eReader. Having a brand as strong as Apple's behind eReading can only be a good thing; it will raise the awareness and popularity of eReaders among consumers."

The mobile phone industry is also waking up to the possibilities offered by the iPad's connectivity.

Neil McHugh, from rightmobilephone.co.uk, said: "The iPad is without a doubt a revolutionary invention and is one that has finally closed the gap that exists between computers and mobile handsets. It may not be long until that very gap ceases to exist."

Apple declared it was entering the e-book market with its new iPad and has signed up with a host of large publishers, including Penguin, Macmillan and Harper Collins.

The new iBook store will enable users to download novels and textbooks directly to their iPad in the same way they download music from iTunes.

The font and size of the text can be changed, helping short-sighted readers see the text more clearly.