So, finally, Apple have unveiled their new tablet device, the iPad. And whilst I can already see several glaring omissions, it has basically delivered exactly what I said I wanted when I first got an iPod. i.e. it’s basically an uber-iPod Touch with a 10″ screen.

All i every really wanted from a tablet device is something I can view PDFs on (particularly all my software manuals and ref books etc.) and do a bit of sofa surfing. Add in the iWork apps too and it’s already looking pretty tasty. Having thought about it a bit this evening I can see all sorts of other areas where it would be useful.

They’ve been clever enough to maintain the compatibility with the existing iPhone apps via scaling, and I’m betting a fair few of them will be updated to run at native res before it’s released too. Omnigroup have already announced they are updating Omnifocus, and also planning to make iPad versions of some of their other apps such as OmniGraffle.

The price point starting at $499 was a very pleasant surprise, I guess that will translate to £400 for the 16Gb model, and to be honest that will probably do me for starters. Apple tend to hit their stride on v2.0 products really so I’m inclined to see how it pans out initially, especially as I’m planning on spending most of my disposable cash on camera kit at the mo. I’m not sure I need the 3G version (I think, though I’ll probably change my mind in the next couple of months) so I’ll see how I get on with wifi only (could always invest in a mifi or similar if needed on the go). Maybe I’ll wait until the inevitable 128Gb 3G version 2 with camera built in.

Talking of cameras, I can see this being a photographer’s dream. Imagine having something with a screen like this to view images live in the field. A proper chance to spot and correct any glaring errors before you head home and realise it’s too late.

OnOne already do a nifty little app for the iPhone/Touch which acts as a camera remote/live view for Canon and Nikon cameras. The existing version relies on a wifi connection to a host PC – presumably due to the lack of a USB connection to the phone, but now that there is a USB adaptor for the iPad I’d imagine they’ll soon have a version to take advantage of the direct connection and full resolution of the screen. There are going to be loads of photography related apps when this thing hits the streets, the possibilities are endless.

Then of course, there’s the potential for this to act as a temporary archive/backup for photos when you’re out on the road. I’d been considering one of the dedicated archive devices for weekends away but can easily see this doing the job nicely.

Hmm, the potential as a portable portfolio too. Who’s not been wowed by the photo viewer on the iPhone with the pinch and swipe gestures. Stick that on a 10in screen and it’s going to look awesome.

With the little dock/stand and the Apple Bluetooth keyboard it’ll do pretty much all I’d need for office stuff on the move too. The netbook has been great but with 10hrs of battery life this thing is made of win and I’m sure Callum would be happy to inherit the netbook

Gnnf… got to wait at least two months, three for the 3G. Ooh dear, I’m getting the proper tech horn for this now…. Hurry up Steve!