Your Pocket Gamer guide to the iPad

So, a successful, innovative hardware and software company - fresh off the back of a string of money spinning hits and with its head still spinning from all the critical praise - has announced a device that has split opinion.

It’s genius, say some, and will introduce a whole new swathe of people to gaming. Meanwhile detractors say that it’s just a clumsy, oversized version of the company’s previous device.

We’re here to guide you through the exciting world of the iPad.

Below, for your viewing convenience, is everything we know, think, and think we know about Apple’s imminent tablet. Well, at least the stuff that’s been fit to publish.

Starting with our early hands on impressions of the device, and on through a range of well-informed speculation, opinion and cold hard(ish) facts, we’ll then run through the full timeline of hardware news, as well as a similar rundown of the major game-related reveals running all the way back to January.

Oh, and some videos, because we’re generous like that.

So stop browsing the internet for iPad information and start clicking below.

Hands on with iPad

We obviously haven’t been able to bring you a review of the device as yet, but rest assured that our man in the US, Tracy Erickson, is on the case. As soon as we’re allowed, we’ll be slotting in our review right about here.

For now, though, let Mr Erickson take you through his initial impressions of the device fresh from the launch event. If you can’t tear yourself away from this page, though (come on, it’s not that good) here’s a snippet that sums things up nicely:

“Withstanding objections to its technical specifications, it's difficult not to be taken in by the device's natural feel. Its resemblance to iPhone ensures intuitive use, whereas the higher quality screen and sturdy construction evoke sophistication.”

Opinion

We weren’t done with our views on the iPad, oh no. From one staffer’s rather less enthusiastic (read: 'grumpy') reaction to the announcement to some unanswered questions that we’ve been musing on ever since the device was first announced, we’ve had plenty to say about Apple’s lap-tappy device.

• Opinion: The iPad is here, but where's the shock and awe?
• 5 unanswered questions about iPad

Price Comparison – iPad 3G vs iPhone 3GS

Of course, the main factor that will determine whether your average/non-rich consumer will, um, consume the iPad is price. Or, more accurately, value for money. Is the iPad really worth the reported £500 entry point?

Perhaps a more useful measuring stick would be to pit the iPad 3G against the iPhone 3GS – Apple’s two flagship portable multimedia devices. So which is the best value for money? Read on.

Launch games

More and more games are announced for iPad every day – just look at a few of the more exciting announcements in our Games News Timeline below. The thing is, nobody seems to be keeping a list.

Oh yes, that’s right - we are. Step this way for a list of every iPad game we can think of. It may not quite be definitive (with the amount of games in the pipeline, it couldn’t be) but it’s the most complete one you’ll find until Apple supplies an official one.

Accessories round-up

One of the biggest markets related to the iPhone has been peripherals. How many iPhone users do you know that don’t have either a protective case or a speaker dock? Many undoubtedly have both.

Naturally, the iPad is going to attract a similar flood of accessories, although their form will differ quite significantly to those of its older cousin’s. Step this way to find out what you can expect.

Alternative tablets

There’s a sizeable minority of people who hate Apple and everything it stands for. Whether it’s the company's admittedly rather smug attitude, overpriced products, or a perceived philosophy of style over substance, some people would rather contact home via carrier pigeon than stoop to make a call on an iPhone.

Predictably, then, there’s been strong resistance to the iPad from some quarters. But what if you’re an anything-but-Apple kind of guy or gal who nonetheless digs the whole tablet concept? Never fear – for the iPad is hardly a unique concept.

Here’s a selection of some of the alternatives that are either out there or coming soon to a technology outlet near you.

How will iPhone games look on iPad?

Not bad, as it turns out. The iPad will be able to play any existing iPhone game, opening up a library of thousands of games from the start.

However, those developers who have decided to upgrade their iPhone games for iPad usage will certainly see a major improvement. Take a look at our comparison of an ‘up-rezed’ version of an iPhone game (one that hasn’t been modified at all) and one that has been enhanced specifically for iPad.

Hands on with N.O.V.A.: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance

So we’ve seen how iPad games will look. How will they play? We got some hands on time with an early build of an iPad conversion of one of the finest games on iPhone, which served as a useful barometer for the strengths of the platform, as well as the kind of challenges that iPad developers will face.

N.O.V.A. is the name of the game, and it’s an excellent Halo-like first-person shooter from Gameloft. If any game was going to show off the iPad’s console credentials, this was going to be it. Read on for Tracy’s thoughts.

Hardware News Timeline

4th January: Specifications for Apple tablet iSlate leaked?
5th January: Apple gaming tablet iSlate rumoured for January 27th announcement, March launch
5th January: Apple building 10 million iSlate tablets in its first year?
8th January: Apple's new touchscreen technology and 'sexy' OS revealed
11th January: Orange chief says 'yes' to webcam and 3G on Apple iSlate tablet
13th January: The Apple tablet iSlate is 'iPhone on steroids', 'out of control'
15th January: Did SGN just confirm the Apple iSlate?
15th January: Another tech company unofficially confirms iSlate
25th January: Apple tablets detected during tests at Cupertino HQ
25th January: Survey: 49 per cent would play games on iSlate over DS or PSP
26th January: 'This will be the most important thing I’ve ever done', says Steve Jobs of the iSlate
26th January: Will it be possible to get an Apple iSlate/iPad for under £250?
27th January: Blogger Jason Calacanis 'leaks' Apple tablet specs, says Farmville to be demoed
27th January: Apple tablet may be available tomorrow
27th January: Apple tablet officially revealed, christened theiPad
27th January: Apple iPad tablet specifications revealed
27th January: iPad will run iPhone games and apps 'straight out of the box', enhanced iPad versions also available
27th January: Apple launches iBook Kindle killer for iPad
27th January: iPad available for $499 on 27th March
27th January: Apple already arranging cellular data deals foriPad, unlimited AT&T wi-fi deal for $29.99
27th January: Keyboard and case accessories make Apple iPadslightly more awesome
28th January: Apple iPad picture gallery
28th January: Gears of War studio Epic Games's Mark Rein: "I think iPad will be great for gaming"
28th January: iPhone games developers excited by the iPad’s 'big screen experience'
28th January: The iPad to revitalise family gaming, become the next boardgame
28th January: Orange to be Apple's UK iPad partner?
29th January: Nintendo ‘not impressed’ by iPad
2nd February: iPad to include a camera?
3rd February: Analyst reckons $499 iPad costs Apple $300 to make
8th February: Steering wheel concept accessory for iPad
22nd February: Apple iPad rumoured to go on pre-order February 25th
24th February: Apple talks about US retail plans for iPad, to be sold via Best Buy
26th February: iPad UK prices leaked?
1st March: Analyst Pachter: the iPad is a gaming device
3rd March: Rumour: iPad to launch on March 26th in US, earliest adopters to get free gift
3rd March: iPad production said to be on course; 600,000+ due at launch
4th March: PopCap’s Stein: ‘iPad has the potential to kick-start a whole new wave of creative innovation’
5th March: iPad US launch revealed, April 3rd debut confirmed
12th March: US iPad pre-orders start today, UK customs law allows import duty-free
13th March: Dedicated iPad apps get their own section on the App Store
15th March: Apple: Get a brand new iPad for $99 if your battery dies
15th March: iPad first day estimate is 120,000 sold, cheapest model the favourite
15th March: Codemasters: PSP 'bollocking useless', iPad'brilliant'
17th March: GameBone iPhone control peripheral updated, coming to iPad
22nd March: iPad parody 'Grandma's iPad Commercial'
22nd March: FreeAppADay website gets ready for free iPadapps
22nd March: AVOC Software explains the problems of making an iPad launch game
29th March: iPad App Store browsing video leaked
29th March: iPad Camera Connection Kit appears for preorder
31st March: Apple to charge for future iPad OS updates
31st March: Apple Store holiday blackout sparks 24th April UK iPad launch date rumours
31st March: How developers will tackle iPad game pricing and universal apps

Game news timeline

26th January: Kotaku reports first Apple tablet game announcement: Stand Alone's Crosswords
27th January: EA announces Need For Speed for Apple iPad
28th January: Flight Control, Harbor Master, Astro Ranch, Need for Speed, Skies of Glory all iPad-bound
5th March: Zen Bound 2 announced exclusively for iPad
9th March: Namco to release an 'iPad-compatible game in March'
16th March: Namco's announces Pool Pro Online 3 for iPad
18th March: Ngmoco and Freeverse supersizing with at least six games for iPad launch
21st March: Godzilab goes high definition with iPad version of iBlast Moki
22nd March: First screenshots of iBlast Moki HD
23rd March: iPad launch will be games heavy
23rd March: Indie puzzle games dominate iPad launch schedule
25th March: Plants vs. Zombies HD and Worms HD outed asiPad launch titles
25th March: Warships - Sea on Fire christened in time foriPad launch
26th March: MacRumors outs iPad games Real Racing HD, Cro-Mag Rally and Enigmo Deluxe
26th March: First screenshots of IUGO's quartet of iPadgames
29th March: Fieldrunners marches onto iPad at launch
29th March: Real Racing HD screens pull up ahead of iPadlaunch
29th March: First screens of SpiritPad: The Oracle for iPadrevealed
29th March: Battle Pong pinging onto iPad
29th March: Tractor Beam slingshots around for iPad launch
29th March: Broken Sword: Director's Cut planned on iPad, late April release possible
29th March: Infinite tower of guns gets bigger in Doodle Blast! HD
31st March: Flight Control HD iPad details come soaring in
31st March: Sudoku Real Edition coming to iPad
1st April: Asphalt 5 HD at the iPad starting line
1st April: Full Gameloft iPad launch slate uncovered
1st April: Soosiz getting the HD treatment for iPad
1st April: Call of Duty: World at War: Zombies infecting iPad
1st April: Command & Conquer: Red Alert deploying onto iPad
1st April: Mirror's Edge joins C&C as most expensive iPad launch games

Videos

• iPad App Store video demonstration
• First video of an iPad game in action revealed: Spinder Blocks
• Grandma’s iPad commercial
• Apple iPad advert, as seen at the 82nd Oscars ceremony
• Apple co-founder Steve Wosniak talks about the iPad
• Mondo Solitaire video demonstration on iPad
• 10tons shows what its Azkend HD game will look like running on iPad
• Frogman iPhone and iPad trailer

And finally…

An amusing guide from someone who clearly doesn’t share Steve Jobs’s tablet shaped vision of the future.