iPad

The highly anticipated Apple tablet made its debut earlier today in San Francisco as Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the world to the iPad. The iPad, resembling a large iPod Touch, features a 9.7-inch multi-touch screen and a 10-hour battery life. The new device syncs through iTunes just like an iPhone or iPod Touch. All existing apps will work on the iPad, with newer specialized apps on the way. A new touchscreen version of iWork was demonstrated at today's event. Also announced was the iBooks Store featuring many e-editions from leading publishers. The words "Kindle-killer" are coming to mind. Who would pay good money for a monochrome nightmare with the iPad on the market? Not me. The iPad will function basically the same as an iPhone or iPod Touch--only on a larger scale, and with more features. The new device will be available in 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB versions. The pricing for WiFi-only models starts at $499, while the WiFi + 3G models will start at $629. 3G coverage will be available through AT&T without a contract. You can activate and terminate service at any time through your device. An unlimited 3G data plan will cost $29.99 per month, while a 250 MB plan will cost $14.99. These plans will also include free use of AT&T WiFi hotspots. The WiFi-only iPads will be shipping in 60 days, while the WiFi + 3G models will begin shipping in 90 days.

Click here to view the iPad video from Apple.

Tablet-mania running wild

Today is finally the day. Well, maybe. Will we actually see the unveiling of Apple's mythical tablet? With today's Apple event now only a little over an hour away, tablet-mania is at a fever pitch. After many months of speculation and rumors, just what does Apple have in store? What will the device be called? How much will it cost? What exactly will it do? Hopefully, these questions and more will be answered shortly. But what else might Apple have up its sleeve for today? Many rumors have been bouncing around for the last several weeks. Will we see a refresh of the MacBook Pro line with the latest Intel processors? Will Verizon be getting the iPhone? Will we see iPhone OS 4.0? Will there be an updated iTunes to interact with the rumored tablet? Only time will tell. The only thing I feel confident in saying is that we'll probably be seeing the latest version of iLife unveiled today. Other than that, the sky is the limit.

The Soviets' ultimate weapon

There's an interesting article today on wired.com about the Soviet Union's would-be doomsday device, known as "Perimeter" or "Dead Hand," developed during the height of the Cold War.

Check it out.
Inside the Apocalyptic Soviet Doomsday Machine

Baby survives after falling under train

This video will make you cringe. Unbelievably, the kid survived suffering only a cut to the forehead.

Google Editions coming 2010

Earlier today, the all-powerful Google announced plans to launch a new online bookstore in the first half of 2010. Instead of focusing on e-readers, Google Editions will deliver e-books to any device with a web browser.

Read more

Seriously, why would anyone spend good money on a Kindle or other reader when Google will allow you to view books on your laptop or phone? Throw in the fact that Google Editions will work with e-books purchased from other retailers, and this could spell doom for the fledgling e-reader industry.

Captain Lou Albano 1933-2009

On a sad note today, professional wrestling personality Captain Lou Albano has passed away at age 76. Albano enjoyed his greatest success in wrestling during the 1980s as a charismatic manager in the World Wrestling Federation. In the summer of 1983, the Captain reached another level of notoriety after appearing as Cyndi Lauper's father in the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" music video.

New Michael Jackson song online now

There good news today for those of you going through Michael Jackson withdrawals. A new song entitled "This Is It" was officially unveiled earlier today on michaeljackson.com. The new track, featuring background vocals by The Jacksons, will be included in the upcoming "This Is It" double-album available October 27 and feature film opening October 28.

Listen to "This Is It"



This Is It Track Listing:

Disc 1:

1. Wanna Be Startin' Something
2. Jam
3. They Don't Care About Us
4. Human Nature
5. Smooth Criminal
6. The Way You Make Me Feel
7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)
8. I Just Can't Stop Loving You
9. Thriller
10. Beat It
11. Black or White
12. Earth Song
13. Billie Jean
14. Man in the Mirror
15. This Is It
16. This Is It (Orchestra Version)

Disc 2:

1. She's Out Of My Life (Demo)
2. Wanna Be Startin' Something (Demo)
3. Beat It (Demo)
4. Planet Earth (Poem)