The History of Apple iPad

The iPad is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. Similar in function to an iPod Touch with four times the display area, it will allow multi-touch interaction with print, video, photos, and audio; connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi and, on certain models, 3G; and will run apps designed specifically for the iPad as well as most iPhone OS apps.[1] The device will have an LED-backlit 9.7-inch (25 cm)[5] color IPS LCD display and uses the device’s multi-touch screen to provide a virtual keyboard in lieu of a physical keyboard.[1] The iPad was announced on January 27, 2010, and pending FCC approval, is to be released in March 2010 (WiFi-only models) and April 2010 (WiFi + 3G models).[1][6]

History

Apple’s development of a tablet computer began with the Newton MessagePad 100, which was introduced in 1993. The effort led to the creation of the ARM6 processor core with Acorn Computers. Apple also developed a prototype PowerBook Duo-based tablet computer named the PenLite, but did not release it to market as the company did not wish to affect sales of the Newton MessagePad.[7] Apple brought out several more Newton-based PDAs, and discontinued the last in the line, the MessagePad 2100, in 1998.

The iPad featuring the home screen

Development of the iPad continued following the discontinuation of the MessagePad 2100. Parts of this development process, especially relating to the development of iPhone OS, were combined with that of the iPhone and iPod Touch, and integrated technologies Apple had acquired from its acquisition of FingerWorks in 2005.[8][9]

The product was announced on January 27, 2010, at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.[1][10] The device’s imminent release had been rumored for several months with iSlate and iTablet among speculated names.[11]

Three days later, at the 52nd Grammy Awards, Stephen Colbert used an iPad in announcing the nominees.[12]

Leave a comment