The launch of Apple's new iPad tablet computer might not have come as a shock, but its price has provoked considerable surprise.
The iPad was launched at an invitation-only event in San Francisco yesterday (January 27th).
Featuring a 9.7 inch touchscreen display and measuring 0.5 inches thick and weighing 1.5 pounds, the device has been described as a larger iPod by some analysts.
It is capable of running apps from Apple's App Store and can be used to watch films, browse the web, listen to music, play games and run office software, as well as to download e-books and digital newspapers.
However, it is the price of the iPad that has prompted much discussion, as it is set to go on sale in the US at $499 (£307) for the 16GB version, with the cost increasing up to a maximum of $829 (£510) depending on the storage space included and whether it includes Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities.
As a result, a number of analysts have upped their sales forecasts for the device.
"The pricing is much more attractive than expected and clearly shows Apple desires mass market appeal," says Ben Reitzes of Barclays Capital, according to Barron's.
Meanwhile, Stephen Heppell, professor of new media environments at Bournemouth University, says the most important thing about the iPad is its potential for use in education.
"It is firmly targeted as a personal device - with synchronisation, wireless and 3G connectivity that waltzes past school networks," he tells the Guardian.
British interest in the iPad had been particularly high before the launch event. According to Experian Hitwise, it was the fourth most searched for laptop in the UK last week.
