Apple has just unveiled their new iPad as we speak. The iPad is expected to revolutionize the market for electronic newspapers, e-books and also revolutionize how we interact with our screens using touch-sensitive technology. Even more interesting for us display-folks; iPad uses an IPS panel with LED backlight.


Apple iPad with multi-touch IPS panel

Update:Also check out the official Apple presentation video of the iPad.
Apple iPad with IPS panel
Rumors about the Apple iPad has been around for a very long time but today Apple has officially presented their new touch-screen iPad. The product has a 9.7-inch IPS screen with LED backlight. 

The IPS (LCD variant) panel is considered one of the best LCD panel as it has nice colour reproduction, wide viewing angles but only medium black reproduction.


Apple iPad with IPS screen

The main screen can be changed as you prefer. The iPad is very thin at 1.27 cm, weighs 0.7 kilograms and is very mobile. 

It’s based on a 1Ghz processor, comes with 16GB, 32GB or 64GB as well as bluetooth 2.1. Steve Jobs also mentions that it has a battery-life of 10 hours in use and one month in stand-by. The iPad will also have built-in Wi-Fi and 3G (in the 3G version).

The iPad will utilize a new version of Apple's iPhoneOS specifically developed to also support the many new features that iPad has to offer - and the same Apps.


Crowd in front of Apple event building

Apple iPad can also be connected to a projector or a separate screen.

The iPad can also be connected to a separate docking station with a keyboard.

Apple iPad in dock with keyboard

iPad will revolutionize the touchscreen
Apple has already revolutionized the market for touch screens with their iPhone, and most recently the Multi-touch technology also found its way into PC monitors. 


Apple iPad with IPS screen

Analytics expect that there will be a wide range of new touch screens on the marked in 2010 and Dell has recently introduced their 22-inch SX2210T, and the rumors say that  Apple also has a 22-inch touch iMac coming.


Apple iPad with multi touch technology

Many believe that the multi-touch technology is a very interesting development and also one of the markets to experience explosive growth within the next few years. 

Apple promises that their new iPad will revolutionize how we interact with the screen with multi-touch features, where you can use multiple fingers at once. 


Apple iPad with multi-touch IPS screen

Apple's iPhone is based on the so-called capacitive multi-touch technology which is considered the best touch technology on the market today - and the same technology will be transferred to the Apple iPad. 

It allows the user to zoom, navigate and scroll using your fingers, and use more advanced commands. 


Something between a phone and a laptop

The screen on the Apple iPad is also used as a full keyboard. There is no integrated keyboard on the iPad device itself.

Apple iPad price
Prices on iPad versions below. The non-3G iPads will be available in 60 days. The 3G versions in 90 days:

Apple iPad with multi-touch IPS panel


FlatpanelsHD is looking forward to playing with the new touch-sensitive technology and see what the IPS screen has to offer.

Learn more about the iPad at Apple.com here