Apple iPad

Editor's Review of the iPad

Thanks to its high-end looks and iPhone-like display, the Apple iPad is the first tablet computer to make the world stand up and take notice. Have Apple gone and done it again, or is this just an over-sized iPhone?

In terms of design, the Apple iPad essentially is a super-sized iPhone without the phone features. It may be a "larger" alternative to the smartphone, but it manages to measure in at a perfectly comfortable 13.4mm. How they managed to cram all that tech in, we'll never know.

Within its skinny casing sits a 9.7-inch 768 x 1024 resolution touchscreen, coated in what Apple are calling an "oleophobic" surface, making it both scratch and fingerprint resistant. In terms of size, Apple have really nailed it with the iPad's screen. By all means, it's "big", but it's still very portable, and slips into a handbag without any issues.

Not only is it perfectly-sized, it's also a joy to use. It's by no means on par with the iPhone's "Retina Display", but it's LED backlighting makes images crisp and natural. If you've ever used an iDevice, the iPad's UI will feel immediately familiar. There's the same layout of rectangular apps, coupled with a single button on the front of the tablet. The multi-touch display is extremely responsive too, and playing Angry Birds and tapping out emails on the big screen puts smartphone gaming to shame.

The iPad's killer feature, however, is its web internet functionality. If you thought browsing on the iPhone was good, the multi-touch zoom and intuitive UI make this the perfect device for serious surfing. There's only one issue - its lack of Flash support, so you'll miss out on the joys of those flash-based websites. Still, with HTML 5 support onboard, you'll be able to view YouTube videos and catch up using BBC iPlayer.

That's not all you've got to look forward to, as it also arrives equipped with a 1GHz processor, built-in GPS powered by Google Maps, and Bluetooth. It can also be picked up in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavours, and is available in either a WiFi-only model or 3G + WiFi only.

The Apple iPad shows Cupertino at its very best. It has rethought a whole product section, and it's done it with style. If you're in the market for a tablet, the iPad is without a doubt the best around. Admittedly, if you have an iPhone and laptop it's pretty pointless, but it's an excellent way to blow £400.