Unless you’ve been cut-off from all media, you’ve at least caught wind of the rumors that Apple has been working on a new tablet computer of sorts. Speculations on what it would look like, when it would be released, and even what it would be named were the subject of many news articles, tech-blog posts, and tweets for months. And now, the wait is over!

Yesterday, during a keynote address, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the much anticipated iPad.

Now, while I’m not a fan of the name (come on Apple, you could have come up with something better than that), I do think the iPad has a lot of potential, especially for moms. While the thin and light weight machine (0.5″ thick and 1.5 pounds) can be easily slipped inside a purse or diaper bag and taken with you wherever you go, how does it actually measure up?

At first glance the iPad resembles something of an overgrown iPhone or iPod Touch. It has the similar “home button” bottom center and the “desktop” features all of the typical iPhone/iPod Touch buttons — mail, calendar, photos, etc. You even swipe left to right to access more screens (i.e. more apps) and have your key apps located at the bottom of the screen for quick and convenient access.

So, with it being so similar to an iPhone or iTouch, why not just stick with or opt to purchase one of those? Well, as a mom, there are some key features that you’ll appreciate on the iPad that just aren’t available (or as nice) on the iPhone, yet…

1. Speed

The iPad is amazingly fast when loading webpages…a huge plus when you only have a few minutes before naptime ends to check out your favorite blogger’s latest update.

2. Bigger is Better

One of the biggest complaints I hear from moms regarding smart phones is that everything is so small. A lot of moms are still carrying around their old daily planners and address books because the calendar and address book on smart phones are just too small for them. Not to mention the small keyboard!

The new iPad features a much bigger and more enjoyable experience when using apps such as the calendar and contacts, thanks in part to the larger screen. But the apps also feature easier scrolling, editing, and quick views. The iPad is easy to read and input data (with it’s 9.7″ LED-backlit display) and even syncs with your home Mac. This is seems like a good solution for the mom who is still clutching on to those clunky paper planners but wants to enter the digital age.

3. Photos

This is probably my most favorite part of the iPad. The way in which you can store, display, sort, and view your photos is amazing! With one swipe of your fingers you can quickly view all the photos in each of your albums — no more paging through your photos to find the one of your daughter jumping in the mud puddle! You really have to see this feature it to appreciate it! You can also set your photos to display as a slideshow and use a docking station to display your iPad as a digital photo frame.

4. Video

The first thing I thought of when I saw video playing on the iPad was “this would be awesome when traveling with my kids!” Coupled with the 10 hour battery life and the ability to download movies and tv shows from built-in iTunes, I know the video capabilities would definitely keep my kids (and me) entertained on those long trips in the car or on a plane!

5. Old Apps and New Apps

What about all of those apps that I’ve already purchased for my iPhone? No problem! The iPad is designed to run any and all of the current apps either in a small screen format or in full screen (you’ll loose a little of the quality though).

While the thousands and thousands of current apps will work with the iPad, developers are already working on iPad versions of the apps you love and even some new iPad specific apps. No word yet on whether iPad apps will differ in price though. A few iPad specific apps already announced are the popular iWork apps found on Mac computers (Pages, Keynote, and Numbers), but with a few snazzy little twists. These are a great addition to the iPad and look fabulous but I’ll be interested to see how you save documents or files on the iPad.

6. eBooks

Just like the iPod challenged MP3 players, the iPad will challenge eBook readers like the Kindle and the Nook.

The iBook app is a book shelf that displays the books, magazines, and newspapers you purchase and download from the built-in iBookstore. Select the one you want to read, flip through pages with a simple finger swipe, and easily enlarge text for more comfortable reading.

The eBook app seems perfect for moms on those long vacation flights or while sitting under a cabana on the beach. What? No vacation? How about while you’re waiting at your daughter’s ballet rehearsal or your son’s hockey practice?

7. Flash

I am actually unsure if the iPad will support Flash.  During the keynote demonstration they did load a webpage that appeared to have Flash that did work.  But there are also indications that Flash will not work.  Honestly, I’m used to not seeing Flash on webpages and avoid pages that do incorporate a major section of Flash because I spend so much time on my iPhone.  I also believe that a lot of designers are revamping their current pages and creating new pages that do not use Flash to accommodate the masses of people who rely on their smart phones.  This issue could all be moot soon as there are rumors that Adobe will be releasing a new version of Adobe Flash that will work with most smartphones.

Those are just a few of the features on the new iPad. I am sure there are many more features and built-in apps that moms (and kids) are going to love.

Currently the iPad will ship with built-in Wi-Fi in late March, with the 3G models shipping some time in April. The price tag on the iPad is about where I expected it to be — $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, and $699 for the 64GB model. Add $130 to each model if you’re opting for the 3G version.

So, should you purchase an iPad? I don’t know. I don’t know if I will be purchasing one. I’m still trying to find a viable enough reason that I need one. I have a laptop and I have an iPhone, so how would an iPad benefit me? I do like the eBook feature and, well, I do love new gadgets!

The iPad is certainly a beautifully designed tablet with a lot of functionality and, while I’m not 100% sure I’ll be making this purchase yet, I am confident that people will be lining up at local Apple Stores come late March!

* For more information on the iPad, please visit http://www.apple.com/ipad/