The Apple iPad was released in Britain today and having had an iPhone for around two years, I was instantly keen to get my hands on one.

I couldn't wait and bought the 32GB Wi-Fi version from America a few weeks ago.

First impressions are always that the device looks like a large iPhone but some new features make it so much more than just that. Most noticeably the speed of the device, as I was able to install apps I had already purchased for my iPhone and these ran much quicker.

The battery life is also superb. Even using the iPad heavily for internet browsing and playing games, I still found I got around three days use before needing to charge it. Apple claim it will last for nearly 10 hours at a time.

I have managed to get Skype up and running, Facebook too and I also use it as a controller for my Sonos music system to select the tunes I stream around the house.

Since the UK version of the App Store launched, I've now installed ones that take advantage of the high-definition screen as the iPhone apps show up small in the middle of the display.

The specific iPad ones are great though and Red Alert is awesome. It is a popular strategy game.

Playing video in HD through the iPad also looks crisp and clear although the screen does struggle in direct sunlight.

The email interface has been re-designed, which gives it more of a Microsoft Outlook feel and the calendar is much improved and looks clearer than before.

It does lack some key elements though such as a camera and memory card slot, however Apple have announced the release of OS4 which will hopefully do to the iPad what OS3 did to the iPhone.

When it comes out later this year to download to the device, it should give it a wealth of new features such as multi-tasking and the ability to organise apps in a much more structured way.

But I think I would prefer to have the Wi-Fi and 3G version of the iPad. That way I could use it out of the home more.

Both are now out in the UK and the one with the always-on web connection is probably the version to buy if you can afford it. It costs £100 more than each of the Wi-Fi ones.