IPad brings magic with a touch and a swipe

If you are on the whole not convinced that the iPad has transformed the computing landscape, I have a single number that may help change your mind: 25 billion. That's the stunning milestone Apple is approaching: the number of programs downloaded from its App Store.

A close look at some of the most intriguing apps available for iPads reveals a common thread: the use of touch to enter and interact with exciting new worlds of computing. Clunky mouse devices are out; swipes, taps and pinches are in.