A large proportion of Brits are aware of the Apple iPad, but aren't entirely certain about the device's feature set, new YouGov research has revealed.

An online survey has revealed that 70% of British adults shown an image and provided with a brief description of the Apple iPad claimed to have heard about it.

YouGov says a "large majority" of respondents knew that the Apple iPad had a touchscreen (72%), can send and receive emails (68%) can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi (65%) and can be used as an ereader (64%).

But, as 37% thought the iPad can make telephone calls, has a camera (38%) and most importantly has a fully functioning, multi-tasking operating system (54%) it seems Apple may need to "educate" the public further.

Marek Vaygelt, head of technology and telecoms consulting at YouGov says the misunderstanding of the iPad’s operating system capabilities is actually greater among existing Apple customers:

"Apple customers who own three or more Apple products have a very high awareness of the iPad but are way more likely than the population as a whole to believe it has a multi-tasking operating system. while this is a software rather than a hardware feature it suggests Apple’s core market might want to wait for an upgraded version".

Only 7% of the survey's respondents said they would probably or definitely buy an iPad.