Shane wrote:
There is a market for this device, it's just not easy to see it as you're all technically savvy to varying degrees. You are all content with your laptop or desktop doing what you want, you expect this device to do the same but it won't.
This device is for people who just need the basics of the basics, a couch computer if you will. Someone who just needs a browser, email, newspapers, music, ebooks. Your parents, grandparents, or others who aren't immersed in technology.
At first I was skeptical but I clearly see this as the market now. I don't put myself into those categories nor do I need a couch computer so I won't buy it. At the same time I feel this could be the beginning of a paradigm shift for computing in general. Read my article coming out this tuesday!
PS: How many of you are shooting it down because your expectations were not met and how many because you don't like apple

?
Yes I agree, there probably is some kind of invisibly small market for this device for people with extremely specific needs (and a heavy pocket).
The iPad is not basic. A full-size touch screen is a feature of devices that only a few few people get to use. If all you need is a browser, email, etc., what's wrong with a netbook. It'd be a lot cheaper, have the advantage of a real keyboard, most probably have a webcam and have at least twice the storage.
I see how this is an advancement, not in technology per se, but in bringing a tablet computer out into the open. Apple haven't made something of particular technological note, but just by putting their logo on it, they're helping to make tablets more noticeable.
And yes I am shooting it down because I don't like Apple. But I also think that the whole concept of a tablet is near enough pointless. I'd say the same if it were Microsoft.