iPad

Optimus Prime might not have much use for the iPad, but if you want to get him, the rest of the Transformers, and any other comics published by IDW on your iPad, you'll have to download the IDW app.

Much like the Marvel Comics app, the IDW app itself is free and allows you to download several comics for free. Unlike Marvel, which gave users samples of some of their best-known characters, IDW's list of freebies is far less recognizable. IDW publishes mostly creator-owned comics, but its licensed properties, such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, Angel (from the … Read more

Apple CEO Steve Jobs answered many an iPhone user's prayer on Thursday, as he showed off some of the key new features that will be included in the next generation of Apple's iPhone OS--namely, multitasking. Here is a roundup of video clips from his presentation.

iPhone OS 4.0 revealed Apple announces multitasking, Game Center, iAds, and more. We recap all of Apple's iPhone OS 4.0 announcements from Apple headquarters.

Apple unveils iPhone OS 4.0 with multitasking At an Apple press event, Jobs announces multitasking support in the newest iPhone operating system. Users will finally … Read more

I have an iPad. I love my iPad. I'm not bragging (OK, I am a little); I'm just saying that in the last few days I've gotten very familiar with the thing--and to good effect. One of its charms is its size: it's smaller than you'd think, and according to an analyst at the research arm of DigiTimes, Apple is working to make it even smaller.

After a few days of use I feel that the iPad's 9.7-inch screen is just the right size for what the device does, but DigiTimes Research's … Read more

I know what you're thinking: another iPad article, Jasmine? Really? Must you? The answer is: "Yes, I must." Clearly, it is necessary for me to cash in on the buzz, too--I'm not letting Donald have all the fun! Honestly, though, if you think you're sick of hearing about Apple's latest wonder gadget, take a moment to consider how those in the tech media field must feel.

However, far be it from me to overlook the advantages of my position. Namely, I've already had my hands all over an iPad and I didn't have to shell out a cent for the privilege. This combined with easy access to dozens of people who've had personal time with the device has provided rich fodder for addressing the question on everyone's mind: what--and who--on earth is such a unique gadget good for? As it turns out, I do have a few thoughts on the matter.

First of all, the iPad is really much more suitable for the living room or bedroom than for true on-the-go use, so DON'T bother shelling out for the 3G version. Not only will you have to plunk down an additional $130 for the integrated tech, you'll also be bleeding $30 per month for unlimited data. For the majority of users, this is not going to be a day-to-day multimedia device that you cart around on your person. In the event that you travel with it--because let's face it, flying with this thing is a huge DO--you wouldn't be able to use the cell service in the air anyway, and most likely, your hotel (or someplace nearby) will have some Wi-Fi for you to hop onto. Heck, even planes have Wi-Fi now. Just make sure you pick up some headphones, since none come with the iPad.

Before we stray too far from the topic of using the iPad as an in-home entertainment device, DON'T underestimate the will of third-party accessory manufacturers. Currently, you can turn the iPad into an mini entertainment system by picking up the Apple dock for $29 and connecting some speakers to the back, or get a kickstand for around $50 and stream wirelessly to a set of Bluetooth speakers. But my money's on a speaker dock that seamlessly integrates the iPad and turns it into a totable AV system--surely that's in the near future. (Although the built-in speakers get plenty loud, it would be nice to have an all-in-one solution that props the player up and improves the sound.) And with apps for Netflix, ABC, and more already available, who even needs a regular old TV in the bedroom anymore?… Read more

With Thursday's announcement/town hall demo of iPhone OS 4, a few more gripes about Apple's growing OS and software platform were erased. Multitasking, organized app folders, and more robust e-mail joined the fold, adding to the usability of any iPhone, iPod Touch, or eventually iPad, and closing the gap just a little bit more.

What gap? Why, the gap between our conceptions of what a smartphone or tablet is versus a traditional computer.

Last year, universal search and held-back tools like cut and paste may have been available on other smartphones, but the iPhone benefitted greatly from … Read more

Apple wants how much for the portrait-orientation-only iPad Dock? $29? Sorry, but I'm tapped out after spending $500 on the iPad itself. What do you have in the $5-$10 range?

Nothing, of course. (Does Apple sell anything in the $5-$10 range?) Fortunately, if all you want to do is prop up your iPad for movie viewing, recipe reading, photo slideshow-ing, or whatever, you can buy or build a perfectly good stand for cheap. These five candidates cost anywhere from nothing to around $7. Take a look:

1. Think the kids will miss a handful of Tinkertoys? If … Read more

Editor's note: We used Cover It Live for this event, so if you missed the live blog, you can still replay it in the embedded component below. Replaying the event will give you all the live updates along with commentary from our readers and a few CNET editors. For those of you who just want the updates, we've included them in regular text here. To get the key points from today's announcement, you can check out our summary of what got announced, in our story here.

We're coming to you live Thursday from Apple's campus with news about the iPhone OS 4 as it happens.

Maybe the biggest news is this: Apple is bringing multitasking to the iPhone. CEO Steve Jobs and his crew showed 12 apps running at the same time. But not all models of the iPhone will get multitasking or other upgrades. Third-generation models of the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch will be out this summer.

In addition, Apple is touting services including background audio, background location, and voice over IP. And there's more: a new folders feature, flicking between pages of apps on the phone, and the new iAd mobile advertising platform.

The newly released iPad, meanwhile, will get OS 4 in the fall.

Transcript of live blog starts here:… Read more

When you bring home your first iPad and open up the box, everything is so pristine and pretty--so Apple. Eventually, as you warm up to the device, you're going to want to make it a little less "factory fresh" and a little more you.

Loading up your own media, photos, and apps is a good start, but there are also a handful of quick things you can do to really put your unique stamp on the iPad.

Whether it's slapping on your own home screen wallpaper or new ways to organize bookmarks in Safari, I've … Read more