28th May 2010
Apple releases the iPad in the UK

Apple launched the iPad at the Yerba Buena Gardens theatre in San Francisco on January 27, 2010. Steve Jobs presented the touchscreen tablet PC, giving an overview of its key features.

In its press release, Apple described the iPad as "a magical and revolutionary device". The device was given a tepid reception by the media, with many questioning whether a third category of device between smartphone and laptop was really needed. For example, tech website Gizmodo published a story titled "Eight things that suck about the iPad". However, when the iPad hit stores, the buying public were unequivocal: they loved it.

On 28th May 2010, hundreds of people gathered at Apple's flagship store in London to be the first to buy an iPad. The Apple store opened at 8.00am to allow eager shoppers to get their hands on the device as soon as possible.

Related information:

• Centre for Computing History: Steve Jobs
• Apple: Apple Launches iPad, Press Release
• YouTube: Steve Jobs announce the original iPad in 2010
• BBC News: iPad fans mob Apple stores for international launch

Image:

• Apple iPad
  Credit: Apple. Images remain the copyright of the original copyright holder. Used under fair use policy for educational purposes only.

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Apple iPad First Generation