Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs introduces the "iPad" during the launch of Apple's new tablet computer in San Francisco, California, the United States, January 27, 2010. [Xinhua]

Apple Inc. on Wednesday unveiled the long-anticipated tablet-computing device named "iPad. "

Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the new product in front of a selected audience of reporters, tech bloggers and other guests at the event held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in downtown San Francisco.

Featuring a 9.7-inch (=10cm) touch screen, the iPad is half-inch thick and weighs 1.5 pounds (=0.618kg), and includes 12 new apps designed especially for it. The tablet has a battery that lasts 10 hours and over a month of standby.

There are six models with the basic starting at US$499 and the most expensive at US$829.

All models have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The Wi-Fi only version will be shipped in March and the 3G version will be available in April.

Jobs said the iPad will be better for browsing, playing games and watching video than either a laptop or a smart-phone.