Apple's iPad yet to get FCC nod

The FCC approval is required because the agency ensures that the electronic devices do not interfere with other wireless equipments operating in that area or emit too much radiation into the customers using the device.

Apple will be unleashing its device on nation’s airwaves only after FCC’s necessary approval.

iPad features could differ as per user location?
According to an e-mail sent by Apple to its customers: “Some features and applications are not available in all areas.”

“Application availability and pricing are subject to change. This device has not yet been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.”

The iPad is a light weight tablet PC featuring an LED-backlit 9.7-inch colored touch-screen display that brings together features like Web surfing, music, books and movies in one portable device.

The device runs most of the iPhone OS apps and uses virtual keyboard for text input. It will run both Apple and 3rd party software purchased via Apple's App Store.

The iPad price ranges from $500 to $830 depending on connectivity and storage plan customer will pick.

Apple’s iPad to raise stakes in e-reader market
Speculations were rife in the market before Apple unveiled iPad that it will wipe off Amazon’s Kindle out of market.

There’s no doubt that iPad is good looking and multipurpose e-reader device but it’s not a Kindle slayer as believed by many.

James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research said, “Now that we have seen the iPad, we don’t feel that the e-reader market is going to be hampered by it. Smaller sized e-readers are half the price of an iPad and great for reading.”

However, instead of slaying Kindle, iPad could raise the stakes in the e-reader market, forcing other companies to come up with better and more sophisticated devices.

Wiebe de Jager, executive director at Eburon Academic Publishers, a Netherlands-based publishing service said, “The iPad is a great device for casual reading, especially magazine-like articles and textbooks, and to a lesser extent for e-books, but there is no way you can compare the iPad’s backlit LCD screen to low-power e-readers’ screens today.”