4 iPad Shockers: What Steve Didn't Say

First a recap of what the iPad is just in case you were hiking in Timbuktu yesterday. Second, printed editions of newspapers and books are not going away tomorrow!

• Tablet device between an iPhone and MacBook
• Connectivity with WiFi and 3G Mobile via AT&T
• iTunes, App Store, & Book Store
• All of the normal iPod Touch Goodies

You might have missed a few points while watching Steve's reality distortion field. Luckily, I could not watch the event live and was not affected.

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The Four iPad Shockers

1. AT&T Wireless Service
   Yes, the keynote did queue us in on the service and two data plans offered through AT&T. The entry level plan includes 250mb of data for $14.99. The unlimited data plan goes for $29.99. Neither require a monthly contract. The part that may not have been so obvious was the free AT&T hotspot (WiFi) service is included with both plans. Stop by any Starbucks or McDonalds to grab a refresher and the free Internet connection. Roaming the world on another 3G cellular network is also possible since the device is "unlocked."
   
2. Built-In Microphone
   Forget lugging this beast around to make phone calls, especially since AT&T won't let you. Of course, holding a 9.7" tablet next to your head would also make you look more ridiculous than Flavor Flav's clock necklace. The big news is that you might still be able to make a phone call in a pinch if you have a WiFi connection and the Skype app from the Apple App Store. This might not come to reality as Steve said "most" of the apps would work on the iPad and the evil twin of Apple/AT&T have already tried to block voice apps.
   
   The mic could also be used for voice recording and dictation.



3. B&W Accessibility Mode
   The iPad has the standard set of accessibility enhancements which includes a B&W mode. What remains to be seen is whether this mode enabled for reading eBooks, along with the ambient light detector, could rival the Kindle's e-ink screen. It certainly would make it more feasible and pleasant to read a novel if it were true.



4. One App at a Time
   Just like the iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad can only have one app launched a time. Luckily, you can save clips and articles for later reading before you switch to that other app.

Video from Engadget