Apple announced their much-hyped tablet computer a few hours ago, dubbed the “iPad”.  It’s pretty much an oversized iPod Touch, down to the App Store lock-in and inability to multitask.

These are issues that we don’t mind in the iPhone, but is this really going to kill the netbook market?

Doubts aside, you can’t deny that it is a beautiful looking device.  It sports a 9.7 inch LED backlit 1024×768 display, has an on-screen keyboard and connectivity via wifi and (optionally) 3G.

Functionality wise it has a new eBook reader, and other than that does everything that your iPhone does.  Except for making phone calls, taking photos (this baby lacks any kind of camera) or fitting in your pocket.

If that hasn’t put you off entirely the iPad’s pricing ranges from $499 to $829, and UK prices are sure to be follow suit.  Personally I think I’ll pass…