Ipadmania hit the US on Saturday when Apple rolled out the iPad tablet pc, a mobile device allowing users to watch movies and tv shows, browse the web, read ebooks and of course play some games. The Apple store in New York saw big lines of eager buyers waiting to get their hands on the new gadget, one of  the biggest anticipated devices since the iPhone which was launched in 2007. Although the crowds were not as great as for that device, the first in line had queued for 4 days.

With a price tag from $499 -$699 dependant on hard drive size (16GB to 64GB), the models are wifi enabled but for those that can wait, 3G versions will be released later this month and have a price tag of $629-$829. The device should be available worldwide by April, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said during the device’s launch event in late January.  The iPad comes equipped with 9.7-inch touchscreen and an on-screen keyboard for typing. The device runs on Apple’s A4 chip and can play back 720p HD video.

AT&T will provide no-contract 3G service in the US, with a 250MB data plan costing $14.99 per month, and an unlimited plan costing $29.99. International deals for 3G services should be in place by June or July, the company has said.

The iPad was declared a success even prior to retail launch. Apple watchers suggest that hundreds of thousands of customers have already preordered the device from The Apple Website. It has been estimated by Market research firm iSuppli that around seven million iPads would ship by the end of 2010.

The device has received positive reviews for its long battery life, multimedia capabilities and e-book reading features. Analysts have also said the iPad could impact content distribution and create new ways to deliver video, news and movies. The device was also specially designed for and excels in Internet and surfing.

The device has been criticised by many though, who accuse it of being an oversized itouch. Other negative features include the lack of a video camera, USB ports and no flash support which powers most tv streaming on the web.

Users will be able to connect to Apple’s iTunes stores to purchase music, movies and TV shows. Around 8500 movies will be available for the iPad, including more than 2500 in high definition resolution. Plus users have access to over 55000 TV show episodes, which will be made available. CBS and ABC have also confirmed they will  stream shows to the iPad. Netflix already have an app out and Hulu is coming soon.

If you love it or hate it, the simple fact is that the iPad will be a defining product when we look back in future years. Im just off to my nearest Apple store, i always get caught up in all the hype.

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