The iPad is an iconic tablet computer from Apple. It was launched with great fanfare in January 2010, drawing worldwide media attention, and became available for sale in the US since the end of March 2010.

With the iPad, Apple seeks to pioneer a new category of product in between a smartphone and a laptop computer, but intended to be much better than either of those for many everyday leisure uses. The iPad features a large 9.7 inch touchscreen, uses a custom high-performance Apple microprocessor, and has wireless Internet access. Apple believes this makes the iPad perfect for leisure uses such as watching video, listening to music, reading magazines and e-books, surfing the web and playing games.

Many commentators have described the iPad as the first “couch computer”. This intended use was underlined at Apple's iPad launch event as CEO Steve Jobs sat casually on a couch as he demonstrated each of its features, while hailing the iPad as a "magical and revolutionary device".http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/1001q3f8hhr/event/index.html

In its workings the iPad is very much like a much larger and faster version of the iPhone or iPod Touch. It runs the iPhone operating system, and almost all apps can be used on the iPad too. However reviewers have said that the size and performance of the iPad give it a very different feel and set of uses to the iPhone.

The iPad weighs about 1.5 pounds, and is about 9.5 by 7.5 inches in size and about half an inch thick. These dimensions mean it is roughly similar in size and shape to a medium sized hardback book, though rather heavier than a book of the same size would be. The iPad’s battery life is outstanding, with many reviewers reporting that they get even more than the 10 hours of use from a charge that Apple states.http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

The iPad comes in two main versions, and three memory sizes, making a range of six different models in total, which have official prices from $499 to $829. Half the models can only access the internet through wi-fi, while the more expensive equivalents can also use 3G phone networks.

To learn more on how to buy a cheap iPad check out the advice and information offered on this page.

The iPad is a very new product and in great demand. This means that at present there are only limited opportunities to get deals on an iPad. While the iPad is available from a number of retailers including Amazon, Best Buy and eBay, stocks are limited, and none of them are currently offering the device for less than Apple.

The vast majority of iPads are being sold directly by Apple, from its website and its retail stores.

However it is worth keeping a close eye on the market, as things can change quickly as Apple ramps up its production levels. It’s also worth bearing in mind that a number of iPads have been returned either with teething problems or simply because after trying them, their owners didn’t a compelling use for this new type of device. These returned iPads may become well become available to buy refurbished at discounted prices. To learn more about this option, read the Mahalo guide on How to Buy a Refurbished iPad.