A Kennedy cameo for iPad

Call it coincidence or product placement; Apple’s iPad unveiling yesterday featured the late Sen. Edward Kennedy’s memoir, True Compass, in the demo for its new e-book reader, iBook.

CEO Steve Jobs walked the audience through the digital iBook shelf and store. He purchased True Compass as his example, while noting product features that allow the iPad user more detail and access to reviews. “I’d get a sample to read if I like, but I’m sold already, so I’m going to tap on it and buy this book,” Jobs said.

The memoir’s publisher, Hachette, is one of the major houses to sign on and support the new app. Released roughly five months ago, the book sells for $14.99 on Apple’s device, but just $9.99 on Amazon’s Kindle.

Apple did not return requests for comment, but speculation -- as well as praise and scorn -- about the choice abounds on Twitter. From one user: “Steve Jobs is touting Ted Kennedy's book on the new iPad. I'm waiting for Atlas Shrugged with Ayn Rand Lexicon links.” And another: "Pretty awesome that the iPad demo featured Senator Kennedy's True Compass."

Find Apple’s official promotional video (which also spotlights True Compass) here.