More iPad Plays: 3 Items Proved Right

Before Apple officially introduced the third version of the iPad, investors and customers were advised to pay attention to three keys because they could really happen.

Indeed, they did.

Prepare for a surprise. As we suggested, Apple might add Siri, the voice-activated personal assistant to the iPad. And the Cupertino, Calif. company did.

Also suggested: a new version of Apple TV, which proved correct. A new $99 version will be available next week, officials said.

Perhaps Apple TV will be as big a hit as the iPad 2 because Apple only sold 1.5 million of the devices last year, compared with 15.4 million iPads in the last quarter.

Invitations to the marketing event read, We have something you really have to see. And touch. The Chinese-made iPad has a new hot key to provide instant WiFi access as well as a link to 4G long-term evolution (LTE) networks initially from AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Of course part of the new iOS 5 software designed into the iPad family is an easy-to-use touch screen that can be used even by infants.

Buy Apple shares if you're bullish. Apple shares have fallen from their all-time high of $548.21 set only last Thursday. In Wednesday's session, the shares have been all over, reaching $537.78 but then slipping to $526.95 in late trading, down $3.31.

Last year, around the October introduction of the iPhone 4S, Apple shares set a new record, then swooned. On Oct. 4, the day of the introduction as well as the last full day in the life of Chairman Steve Jobs, Apple shares fell 5 percent - to $354.24 - before closing down 2 percent at $372.50.

There's a 41 percent difference between Apple's share price then and now. A bullish investor convinced of the iPad franchise might want to load up. A bear, wondering how much farther the price can go and seeing new entrants from Amazon, Samsung Electronics, Lenovo Group and others, might take other action.

Watch for pricing. Apple announced pricing and availability for the new iPad. And the new one will sell in bands ranging from $499 to $899.

Meanwhile, as first suggested, the iPad 2 will be kept but get a $100 discount, to $399.

Having sold more than 55 million iPads at $499, there's little incentive for Apple to cut the price.

However, rather than make the old iPhone 4 and iPhone 3 obsolete, last time CEO Tim Cook led a product introduction, he debuted three-tiered pricing. The new phone was priced from $199, the older model went to $99 and the iPhone 3 became free with a service contract.

Apple's contactors, principally Hai Hon Precision Industries, known as Foxconn, may not want to commit the entire capital required to shift to the new iPad yet.

To be sure, under Jobs, Apple would obsolete products immediately. Cook is proving to be his own master, though.