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Apple FINALLY released their highly anticipated tablet computer today, titled the “iPad.”

In summary, it’s an impressive product with a predictable feature set, but expands the pleasure of using existing iPhone/iTouch app store software to a bigger screen, and through the new SDK adds expanded capabilities to apps designed specifically for this new device. Upgrades include the ability to add a 3G subscription and expanded hard drive size. Another noteworthy feature is the ability to run the iWork suite and input data through an onscreen keyboard.

Engadget’s play-by-play photo blog account of the Apple iPad release event goes far at giving you the sensation of actually being at the event. Overall, the crowd was pleased, especially with the liberal pricing and upgrade feature options. But the months and months of rumors and lack of any real surprises was audibly noticeable. When you re-create a larger version of the iPhone, there isn’t much room for awe. However, what did excite the crowds were the bevy of new features and graphical bells and whistles necessary to achieve laptop like features in such an elegant and compact form factor. Progress was definitely achieved in the area or UX (user experience) as contextual and modal menus are simply gorgeous.

To see for yourself, check out the official iPad Video over at Apple.

And don’t forget to share your comments. Were you impressed, or did all of the hype and anticipation leave you wanting for more?