Amidst Standing Ovation and much excitement, a thin but energetic Steve Jobs made a surprise return to the spotlight on Wednesday, taking the stage to unveil Apple Inc's new iPad.
Jobs made his presentation in the hall full of journalists and analysts from across the world who were probably happier seeing him on stage than iPad2.
The Silicon Valley legend rested all speculations yesterday about his health by making an appearance, in trademark turtleneck and jeans at the event.
Jobs has been out on medical leave since late January leaving the investors and his fans in a doubt over the future of Apple.
Striding back and forth across the stage at the Yerba Buena Center, Jobs spoke passionately about the iPad 2's features, as the current Apple Head, Tim Cook looked on.
"We've been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss today," Jobs told a packed auditorium in San Francisco with his characteristic flair and energy.
A relaxed-looking Jobs lingered near the theater stage for more than 20 minutes after the show wrapped up, chatting amiably with acquaintances and Apple employees.
The iPad 2 goes on sale at AT&T Inc and Verizon Wireless, and at $499 is about $100 cheaper than Motorola Mobility's Xoom. Its shares slid 4 percent.
The iPad ships March 11 in the United States and March 25 in 26 more countries.
The iPad, along with the iPhone, is expected to fuel Apple's growth over the next several years. The two product lines already make up more than half the company's revenue.
Apple's products tend to be priced at a premium to its rivals, but the iPad has been priced aggressively low versus the competition, both to dominate the market and because the company can leverage its own retail network and pre-bought manufacturing capacity.
Jobs, who has been treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer, remains on medical leave for an undisclosed condition.
"Steve Jobs is the most important asset for Apple without a doubt and that's why investors are so curious about whether he will remain and continue to have an impact," said Robert Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Money Management.
"The stock went up after his appearance but not as much as it normally would if Apple had a fully healthy CEO,” he adds.
Jobs made his presentation in the hall full of journalists and analysts from across the world who were probably happier seeing him on stage than iPad2.
The Silicon Valley legend rested all speculations yesterday about his health by making an appearance, in trademark turtleneck and jeans at the event.
Jobs has been out on medical leave since late January leaving the investors and his fans in a doubt over the future of Apple.
Striding back and forth across the stage at the Yerba Buena Center, Jobs spoke passionately about the iPad 2's features, as the current Apple Head, Tim Cook looked on.
"We've been working on this product for a while and I just didn't want to miss today," Jobs told a packed auditorium in San Francisco with his characteristic flair and energy.
A relaxed-looking Jobs lingered near the theater stage for more than 20 minutes after the show wrapped up, chatting amiably with acquaintances and Apple employees.
The iPad 2 goes on sale at AT&T Inc and Verizon Wireless, and at $499 is about $100 cheaper than Motorola Mobility's Xoom. Its shares slid 4 percent.
The iPad ships March 11 in the United States and March 25 in 26 more countries.
The iPad, along with the iPhone, is expected to fuel Apple's growth over the next several years. The two product lines already make up more than half the company's revenue.
Apple's products tend to be priced at a premium to its rivals, but the iPad has been priced aggressively low versus the competition, both to dominate the market and because the company can leverage its own retail network and pre-bought manufacturing capacity.
Jobs, who has been treated for a rare form of pancreatic cancer, remains on medical leave for an undisclosed condition.
"Steve Jobs is the most important asset for Apple without a doubt and that's why investors are so curious about whether he will remain and continue to have an impact," said Robert Lutts, chief investment officer at Cabot Money Management.
"The stock went up after his appearance but not as much as it normally would if Apple had a fully healthy CEO,” he adds.
