The iPad could present the future of computing and might revolutionise the way companies using IT contractors reach their audiences, an expert has claimed.

Jeremy Horwitz, editor-in-chief of iLounge, acknowledged the fact many commentators have seen this hardware as an inferior version of PC netbooks but says this attitude does not understand what Apple is attempting to achieve.

He says that many potential users see the iPad as possessing a great deal of possibilities and a strong set of features.

"The iPad's strengths as a media player, book reader and creative tool are considerable and Apple should both demonstrate these strengths and cultivate software that better exploits them," he explains.

According to Apple, the device is designed with a multi-touch display allowing people to interact with both applications and content on the device.

It will be half an inch thick and weigh 1.5lb - lighter than a laptop or netbook - and will be suited to browsing the internet, reading emails and watching or listening to media.