Now that Apple has unveiled it’s iPad- a name that has already inspired no shortage of ridicule- the long wait for the “game-changing e-reader” is over. We’re wondering where the next breakthrough will come. Perhaps in the form of a product like Light Blue Optic’s Light Touch [pictured here], a portable computer that turns any surface into a touchscreen.

Reaction to the iPad in the blogsphere seems a bit muted, despite claims by Steve Jobs that it represents “our most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price.” Tech blogger Robert Scoble tweeted “On a scale of 1 to 10, did iPad meet your hype expectations? My expectations were 10. iPad showed up with a 8.7. My mind was not blown.” He followed up with, “Of course compared to Microsoft at CES, which I would have scored a 4.9, an 8.7 is pretty damn good.” After it’s official unveiling, Apple put out the first video on the device which has us convinced. That video is below.

The Light Touch, not surprisingly, has received less fanfare, but we think it could provide a similar glimpse at tomorrow’s computer. Using a process called holographic laser projection, a clear projected interface is created that users can interact with as they would any other device. It could also spell a greener direction for the industry- making use of existing surfaces. We’ll be following this with interest.

Now, here’s that video from Apple.

[Source: HuffPo, Chris Pirillo, Technabob]