Apple finally released its new tablet computer in the United States.

LAST weekend, months after all the jokes about the iPad started going around (not about the product itself but rather the unfortunate choice of name), Apple finally released its new tablet computer in the United States.

The reactions to the announcement of such a product — arguably Apple’s biggest since it released the iPhone in 2007 — were mixed. Many skeptics were not convinced that it would sell well.

There are reports that between 600,000 and 700,000 units have been sold so far. If this number is accurate, it is staggering considering that the first generation iPhone — dubbed one of the greatest inventions of the new millennium — took 74 days to hit the one million mark according to reports.

Technology site Cnet (http://news.cnet.com) spoke to some of the people who bought the iPad on Saturday.

One person they interviewed said that they wanted it for the applications or Apps — similar to the iPod/iPhone but without the limitation of size. A couple of others wanted a reading device (there was a lot of initial hype about how this product would revolutionise how books are read).

Then there were those who didn’t have any particular reason but just wanted to buy it for novelty reasons.

In terms of the product, initial reviews were generally positive. The editor of Cult of Mac (www.cultofmac.com) Leander Kahney used words like ”beautifully-made” to describe the physical product, ”seriously great” when referring to battery life and ”everything flies” when it comes to speed.

However, he also notes that while it is perfect for the home, it is not quite ready for the workplace.

That said, this is only the beginning of the iPad. Apple has time and time again proven that its products constantly improve with each release of new editions.

Analysts are recognising the immense pressure that Apple faces as it deals with expectations.

There is no news yet of when the iPad will be available locally. I would imagine, however, that there will be a demand for it if history is anything to go by.

Just look at the hype that surrounded the iPhone when it first arrived in Malaysia — over a year after it was initially released. And when the iPhone 3Gs finally reached our shores, Maxis — then the only local telecommunications company distributing the phone — had a waiting list and many people had to wait up to a month to get their hands on it.

As for me, I can’t wait for the iPad. I don’t know if I have a use for it yet but knowing Apple products, I’m sure I’ll eventually figure out what I need it for.