Thank God the ultra-nerds of this world do not determine the success of a product. Yes, I like the iPad.
Everyday I read the same diatribe that has been spread across the internet by a core bunch of people who refuse to allow anything in the electronic ecosystem that is NOT complex.
"It's just a big iPod touch"
"It's a closed system. I hate Apple."
"No USB port? No way!"
The iPad is NOT just a big iPod touch. That's like writing off a 50" TV as just a bigger 9" TV. The interface is certainly familiar which is why it is so intuitive, but the apps have been redesigned to really take advantage of the space. It has the speed to do it all incredibly fast and a battery life that is unparalleled. Go the Apple Store, read "The Elements" by Theodore Gray or watch a Netflix movie and tell me you are not impressed.
As far as the closed system argument goes, the app store has something for everyone. I am running an incredible astronomy program, a flight sim, Netflix, note taking, word processor and some great games. There are plenty of options. In addition, the App Store has plenty of apps that are in direct competition with Apple like Kindle and Netflix. People are looking for a problem where none exists. Believe me, an app being refused from the app store is the exception, NOT THE RULE!!!!
Apple's forte is engineering complete solutions through hardware and software. They do this incredibly well. The fit and finish of the product is incredible, and the minor complaints I do have like multitasking and uploading photos via Safari can and will be addressed through software updates.
Does it replace a laptop for everyone? No. I cannot develop software on it, nor can I create videos like I do with Final Cut on the Mac. It does have a place though. For reading books, surfing the web, email, watching movies on a trip or in the kitchen, using specialty apps like notetaking, astronomy, etc, this device is great. If you don't like it and think a Windows 7 or Android tablet will be better that is ok, but at least try the thing before repeating some inane comment you've heard on the net. Android cannot even include a decent email client and HP has a horrible track record for touch screen UI so I wouldn't get too excited.
