The iPad is on its way, what do you guys think?

[techieMoe]

Well, it's out and I've read through the initial impressions of it on a few tech sites and podcasts. Those who were fans of it before it came out are still fans, those who doubted its usefulness aren't changing their mind either. Apparently it's one of those love it/hate it kinds of devices.

I fall squarely into the latter category. I just hope dedicated book-reading devices aren't hurt in the marketplace by this thing. I'm hopeful because the iPad is still ridiculously expensive compared to even the Kindle 2 (which is the most expensive dedicated eReader of its size), has an LCD screen that's useless in daylight, gets pitiful battery life compared to an eReader, and requires a monthly fee for its 3G download service.

That won't stop the morons in the mainstream media (like The Today Show) from comparing Apples to oranges (no pun intended) and calling it a Kindle-Killer, though. Oh well, you can't win 'em all.

[rokytnji]

If anybody with any sense/cents wanted one. With just a little patience. You could pick one up for less than 1/2 price after the hoopla and new model comes out. These things have devaluation pretty much like buying a new car off the lot. $400.00 may be chump change for some. But not for me.

[Roxoff]

Apparently it's one of those love it/hate it kinds of devices.

I am quite ambivalent towards it - it's nothing special, and has major drawbacks, the biggest of which is the iPhone-like lock-in. If I buy a computer of any kind, I want to be able to run what I want on it, not be dictated to by the manufacturer of the device.

That said, I'm ambivalent towards electronic book readers too. I find the batteries last longer on a book made of paper.

[Freston]

The upside of is that the iPad blends very well