 The first @-@ generation iPad ( / ˈaɪpæd / EYE @-@ pad ) is a tablet computer designed and marketed by Apple Inc. as the first in the iPad line . The device features an Apple A4 processor , a 9 @.@ 7 " touchscreen display , and on certain variants the capability of accessing cellular networks . Using the iOS operating system , the iPad is able to act as a digital book reader , video player , web browser , and e-mail client . It is also a platform for audio-visual media , including music , movies , TV shows , and e-books . The iPad was announced on January 27 , 20