The iPad is set to debut on April 3. Until then, the rumor mills will churn about what to expect from apps, what will come pre-loaded on the tablet device, what apps will ultimately cost — and predictions that the iPad will kill the netbook and e-book readers.
Here’s what we can confirm: Starting at $499, the iPad lets users browse the web, read and send e-mail, view and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games, read e-books, and complete various other tasks on a half-inch-thick touchscreen device that looks like an oversized iPhone.
We also know the App Store will let iPad consumers wirelessly browse, buy and download new apps. Apple has said the device will come pre-loaded with 12 new innovative apps designed especially for the iPad. There is no official word on what those apps are, other than the iBooks app for Apple’s new iBookstore.
The iBookstore will feature books from The New York Times best-seller list from both major and independent publishers, including Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Group, and Simon & Schuster.
iPad Content Rumors Abound
Those are the facts. Now let’s look at some of the latest rumors. Some are speculating that games for the iPad will cost more than games for the iPhone. News reports offer two examples: Flight Control and Real Racing. For the iPhone, these games cost 99 cents and $4.99, respectively. But on the iPad, the games come in high-definition and may cost $4.99 and $9.99. Whether consumers are willing to pay for an HD version of a game they already bought for the iPhone or iPod touch remains to be seen.
Other rumors point to Apple including explicit software content in its App Store. After banning most adult-oriented content from its App Store for the…
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