Apple’s iPad is a “digital books reader” that is seen throughout the media industry as invested with almost magical powers. Newspaper bosses are starting to treat it as a way to persuade readers to pay for digital content, with Rupert Murdoch – who according to one biographer, is never seen unattended on the Internet – giving it devoted adoration.

Apple iPad Magazine editors have discussed the possibility of premium interactive glossy editions to convince the advertisers to keep spending. Many publishers are unconvinced that that the iPad is the gadget to keep the industry profitable in the future however. The iPad does appear poised to take on Amazon as a major player in digital publishing. At the moment only free and out of copyright books are available, this is shortly to change with the introduction of major publishing houses.

The device has had a conservative welcome from the Publishers Association, whose chief executive has been open to the contribution of the iPad, stating that it offers more choice to consumers and opens the market to competition in what has been a traditionally restrictive market.

This is good for children – but when it comes to adults, is it really iPad meant for books? I tried to read one on the device and I am still torn about his attractions. Apple’s new baby is a brilliant, if expensive, multimedia device, which could revolutionize book market, but it’s superiority to the printed page is yet to be determined.