Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduces new $499 iPad with AT&T, says it’s more intimate than laptop

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Apple unveils $499 tablet with AT&T data plans

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple will sell its newly unveiled tablet-style iPad starting at $499.

The iPad resembles an iPhone, but larger. Apple will sell some iPad models with data plans from AT&T, with no contract required.

Apple Inc. will have to convince consumers, many of whom already have Internet-connected phones, computers and TVs, that they’ll want to pay that much for such a device, when many small, lightweight “netbooks” cost less than $400.

CEO Steve Jobs says the iPad will be better for reading books, playing games and watching video than either a laptop or a smart phone.

The initial price is likely to drop. Apple sold the first iPhone for $599 but slashed the price to $399 after a few months, upsetting early buyers.