Apple Newton MP100 Tablet Computer

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, then canceled the project as it was too similar to the Newton line. Apple brought out several more Newton-based PDAs, and discontinued the last of the line, the MessagePad 2100, in 1998.

Apple renewed efforts to develop a tablet as early as 2000. Apple CEO Steve Jobs canceled the project twice, once due to insufficient battery life, and again due to inadequate memory. After returning from medical leave, Jobs devoted most of his attention at Apple to completing the device, striking deals with print media companies before the product’s announcement.

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

Apple iPod Tablet Computer

The iPad is a tablet computer developed by Apple Inc.  Steve Jobs announced the launch of iPad on January 27, 2010, at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco. Apple iPad tablet PC comes in two models – WiFi only and WiFi + 3G models.  WiFi-only model of Apple iPad are is scheduled to be released in March 2010. The WiFi + 3G Models are scheduled to be released by April 2010. The iPad tablet will feature multi-touch interaction with print, video, photo, and audio multimedia, internet browsing, and will run apps designed specifically for the iPad as well as most iPhone OS apps. The device will have an LED-backlit 9.7-inch (25 cm) color IPS LCD display and use a virtual keyboard for text input.

The iPad will run Apple and third-party software purchased through Apple’s App Store just like the iPhone. The iPhone and iPad share a development environment: iPhone SDK (Software Development Kit), version 3.2 beta onwards. Third-party developers can create apps specifically for the iPad’s features. The iPad will also run most third-party iPhone applications unmodified, either enlarged to fit the display or in an iPhone-sized area on the screen.