Apple has put an end to weeks of fevered speculation by unveiling its long-awaited tablet PC, which it has called the iPad.
Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive unveiled the touchscreen device at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco.
Mr Jobs described the tablet as a "third category" between smartphones and laptops.
The device, which looks like a large iPhone, can be used to watch films, store photos and browse the web.
Mr Jobs told an audience of journalists, analysts and industry peers that the device lets people "hold the whole web in your hands".
"What this device does is extraordinary. It is the best browsing experience you have ever had," he said.
The device has a 9.7-inch multi-touch display and Apple claim it has a battery life of 10 hours. It also has the firms iTunes software built in, allowing users to purchase songs and movies straight to the device.
The launch puts to rest months of speculation and rumour in the blogosphere.
Apple - famous for its secrecy - had remained silent in the run up to the launch, unwilling to release any details publicly.
Comment