It was impossible for Apple to have created the magical device people were conjuring up in rumors. (No, despite the copious use of the word ‘magical' in Apple's marketing campaign for the device, it's not magical.) Perhaps the iteration they launched here was a bit of a conservative effort.

On the eve of the launch of Apple's iPad, I am thinking of Ed Roberts. He never became a household name, but as the man behind the Altair computer - a kit for lunatic tech hobbyists released in 1975 - he was responsible for launching the microcomputer era.

Compact, cool-running, speedy - and a groundbreaking new way to consume media; You already know how to use it; Thousands of apps will make it more useful and fun

No multitasking means no gadgets or widgets: Does IM really need a full screen? Virtual typing is tricky when holding iPad upright; No way to print directly; Apps are only available from Apple's App Store

The Good Quality construction Attractive housing Vibrant, bright display 802.11n Wi-Fi 3G-enabled (certain models) 10 hours of battery life Fast processor App Store compatibility Usable virtual keyboard The Bad Lacks support for Flash content No multitasking with current firmware Screen difficult to...

Quality construction; Attractive housing; Vibrant; bright display; 802.11n Wi-Fi; 3G-enabled (certain models; 10 hours of battery life; Fast processor; App Store compatibility; Usable virtual keyboard

Lacks support for Flash content; No multitasking with current firmware; Screen difficult to view in direct sunlight; No camera; Heavy to hold for extended periods; Lacks HDMI output; native HD resolution

It was January 27th be the day when Apple, after having revolutionized personal computing, music and voice, would create a new market altogether. And it starts with the AppStore : 140 000 applications are proposed for 3 billion downloads.

When I first heard of its announcement one of my chief complaints about the iPad was Apple's decision to use the iPhone OS. Instead of crippling the capability of the tablet; why not use a modified version of Snow Leopard?

Brilliant display; Long battery life; Great media player; Well built; looks great; Can be used as picture frame when docked; Built in Wireless N Capability; Huge selection of Apps (counting iPhone/iPod Touch ones

Non-Removable battery; Mono Speaker; Fingerprint magnet; No built in mic or camera; Closed ecosystem

Apple's iPad reimagines the personal computer as an intuitive, slick and portable device that sprouts new features and uses with every additional app.

No manual necessary; Access to nearly all iPhone apps; 10-hour-plus battery life; Bright 9.7-inch IPS LCD screen; Three external buttons; Multi-directional accelerometer

Highly reflective screen; Slippery; No multi-tasking (yet; "Only" a few thousand iPad-specific apps (so far

The iPad is a great tool if you only need the capabilities of an iPhone with a large screen. Sure, email and the browser excel here, but to make it perfect for everything else, it needs much better security and you'll have to purchase the extra dock and keyboard to make working on the move viable.

Good for the john or sofa, but not much else.

The Apple iPad isn't an eBook reader, which makes it very hard to compare it to other eBook readers. It doesn't use e-ink technology, it's heavy, you can't read out of it in bright places, and the display will strain your eyes eventually.

Amazing design; Most intuitive interface yet; Full-color screen; Wi-Fi and 3G wireless; Will do just about anything

LCD display is hard to read from in bright places and will eventually strain your eyes; Battery lasts only ten hours; Heavy; Costs almost twice as much as the Kindle 2 or Nook; Additional 3G wireless fees apply (around $130

The Apple iPad is a revolutionary, addictive Tablet PC with Wi-Fi. Add in 3G, and it becomes even more useful, just perhaps not $130 more useful, which is the premium you'll pay for always-on connectivity. And with 3G you have to tack on another $15 to $30 a month for service.

Sleek design; Gorgeous, sharp, accurate touch screen; Improved iPod, Safari browser, photo, and e-mail apps; A plethora of downloadable apps; Flexible and affordable 3G service plans

Costs $130 more than the Wi-Fi-only version; Some applications don't work over 3G; AT&T is the only U.S; carrier with 3G support; Watch our Apple iPad video review