Apple’s tablet-style iPad debuts, CEO Jobs says device more intimate than laptop

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Apple debuts highly anticipated, tablet-style iPad

SAN FRANCISCO — Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the iPad as the company’s “latest creation,” saying the tablet-style device is more intimate than a laptop.

Jobs made the appearance Wednesday in his trademark jeans and black turtleneck and opened with a history and update on Apple mobile devices.

No price or information on availability was immediately announced.

Analysts say a tablet-style computer can help people watch videos, surf the Web, play games and read electronic books.

But that means Apple would have to show why consumers ought to pay for yet another Internet-connected screen, on top of the TVs, computers and smart phones they already have. Tablet computers have existed for a decade, with little success.