*Stoner
If the iPad used colored e-ink technology, then I'm sold. But the display is just plain LCD. Reading text on it for extended periods of time will strain the eyes. This makes it a half-baked ebook reader.
I'm with you on this man. However, iPad offers more than just reading text. It may assume the role of an ebook reading device yet offer the versatility of a portable media tablet ala iTouch/iPhone. Colored e-ink tech may not present a good balance for what direction intends to be in.

If it intends to be a tablet computer, then it should used the Mac OS. As things stand, the iPhone OS is too limited to take advantage of the huge screen space. So again, half-baked.
As I understand, Apple have recoded the OS for this device. Mac OS will not suit the iPad simply because it is positioned to be a portable net appliance where Apple have a huge capital Apps base. As this is not meant to replace Apple's macbook line, then this is best suited for those who complain that iTouch is too small to read ebooks and watch movies. Half-baked? I think it's just right for what it is created to be.


So it boil downs to what it offers now. As things stand, that the iPad is not a 'real' ebook reader nor a 'real' functioning tablet computer. What it is, is simply an Internet appliance/tablet similar to the likes of Nokia N800, N770. Something you use to quickly surf sites and perform quick tasks/activities. That's what it does best.
As I've said, Apple found a hole where Kindle, Nook and other electronic reading devices failed to address.

When Amazon launched Kindle, the public found that it is too pricey for something that only allows to do one thing, read electronic material. The Nook came out and offered colored e-ink tech but still fell short as people clamor for something that will also play other forms of media content. IPad not only offer readers to view electronic books, it also allows to do a lot of other things. You maybe right to say that it is an appliance similar to N800 or N770 but Apple's huge support base is way beyond what Nokia can offer and that remains unchallenged up to this point.

On another note, I wonder how applications and games will supposedly 'scale up' to the bigger display of the iPad? 3D objects would be no problem, but how about the 2D ones?
Beats the hell out of me man. I'm sure Apple's R&D have green lighted this just to appease Stevie's discriminating standards.

Final note. iPad = iTouch's big brother but better in reading books and watching *pron* ehem. Let me rephrase that. Watching movies hehehe...

Peace