Apple fans gathered yesterday at CityMac to await the big announcement from the “Co.”.

Most got what they hoped for with the announcement of the new iPad device that will be available beginning sometime in March.

Lot’s of folks from the media stopped in and we appreciate the opportunity to share the live blog feeds and Apple fellowship experience with our staff, customers, and onlookers alike.

Most people attending the event agreed that this new product will once again revolutionize how users interact with Apple devices and computers in general.

We don’t have a working demonstration unit of the iPad as of yet probably because the FCC has not authorized the device yet.

This from an email sent yesterday late from Apple Corporation:

“This device has not yet been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.”

(More great photos from the event can be found at the Citizen-Times.com from photograper Erin Brethauer!)

What it is!

Display: 9.7 inch IPS – Supports Multi-Touch

Size and Weight: 0.5 inches thick and 1.5 pounds

Processor: 1GHz Apple A4 Chip

Storage: 16, 32, or 64GB flash

Battery life: 10 hours battery life, over 1 month standby

Connectivity: 802.11n Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

Apple said there will be models with 3G through AT&T. Data plans in the US will cost $14.99 for 250MB and $29.99 for unlimited data. There is no contract commitment. The plan will come with free access to AT&T hotspots, just as AT&T does with other laptop 3G data customers. If you don’t like AT&T, good news: all iPad models are unlocked, and use the new GSM micro SIMs, so you could theoretically go with another carrier.

Other Features: Accelerometer, compass, speaker, mic, 30-pin connector

Price: “Starts at $499″

That’s a fairly low price, but that only gets you the 16GB model with no 3G. Adding 3G to any model costs $130 more, and each tier of storage is $100 more. So that’s $599 for the 32GB model without 3G, and $829 gets you 64GB and 3G.

Join us on January 27th FROM 12NOON UNTIL 3PM – for coverage of Apple’s next product launch, live from Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. Stop in the store and watch live blogging of the event, business news analysis, and more.

After months of speculation, rumors are rampant that Apple will finally unveil the next device that will change the world, a magical and mythical tablet that may be called the iPad/iSlate/iwhateverApplechooses.

Enter for a chance to win an iPod, enjoy a coffee, sandwich, or sweet at CityMug, and generally hang out with other folks that love the Apple experience.

CityMac, among other businesses on South Biltmore Avenue, have noticed a huge drop-off in traffic since the Swannanoa River bridge was closed for replacement in early January.

If you are unsure how to find us, please give us a call and we will guide you in.

Most don’t know, but only the bridge portion of Biltmore Avenue is out. Biltmore Avenue North of the bridge and South of the bridge are open all the way. You can pretty-much walk up to the hole in the road, so businesses along this corridor are still open…don’t forget about us!!

Signs on Biltmore Avenue near the Tourists stadium and The Orange Peel simply say “Road Closed Ahead,” and that is a bit deceiving. The road is open all the way to the bridge, so come on down and see us.

WLOS did a short piece on this last night. Check it out here: http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/wlos_vid_1651.shtml

A lot of folks have been calling us to inquire about our ability to repair Mac products.

CityMac is a recognized Apple Authorized Service Provider. Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) are part of a network of Apple-authorized businesses that provide comprehensive support and repair services for Mac products. AASPs employ Apple-certified technicians, who complete regular Apple training and assessments, so you can be confident you’re getting help from qualified, experienced professionals.

Most importantly CityMac is authorized to work on your Apple product that still may be under warranty. If you are in your first year of ownership, or have purchased the Apple Care Protection Plan, then stop in and let us handle your AppleCare repairs.

CityMac offers “Carry-in” or “On-site” service. For “Carry-in,” customers bring their Macs to CityMac. For “On-site,” CityMac staff will go to the customer location to make repairs.

For more information about Apple Authorized Service Providers take a look here: http://solutionprofessionals.apple.com/aasp/