I would not be an early IPad adopter if not for restrictions at my workplace that forbid so many internet sites I have come to rely on ( blogs, bookmarks etc).

It’s definitely a love/hate relationship. The Safari experience is just awful and 3G is like 14.4 all over again. And when the interface does freeze up trying to play IPod and browse (which is supposed to work) it’s hard to get Safari responding again even after stopping IPod. I will trade in on a second-mover device as soon as one is released that addresses mutli-tasking – regardless of app store advantages.

Lack of arrow keys on the virtual keyboard is also a ridiculous decision — just as the lack of the same on the original Macs was. (It was a ploy to force users to utilize mouse and preempt keyboard-based apps on the Mac).

I have heard rumors HP is following with a device that picks up where the IPad falls short (albeit without the app ecosystem).

You didn’t really want an iPad to begin with so you were setting it up to prove you wrong which usually ends in a predictable manner.

I make the comparisons to my phone not to say that I was trying to replace my phone. I had no intention of doing that… it’s not a phone, it’s a multimedia and entertainment device, it’s a tablet pc, it’s a portable digital life. I make those comparisons to give my perspective on the things that I think are wrong with the iPad – to provide evidence for others to weigh in their own debate (if any) on whether or not an iPad is worth the $ for them. frankly, I’m a little jealous that some people do find a place for it in their lives. I really wanted to, but didn’t.

who knows… maybe an iPad with iOS4 and/or a 2nd generation of hardware will make it worth the $ for me. if it was a better price – say $250 or less – then it probably would be worth it to me. but for now… it’s not, so i’m returning it.

First – I read all my books on it. I’ve made the switch to digital reader and I won’t go back. I use either GoodReader (which does any document type) or iBooks. Right now I’m reading Diamond Age; I also have about 20 other titles sitting in the queue.

I also bought 12 PDF books from PragProg. So in total I have 30 or so sci fi, 12 geek books – no paper required.

I fly from time to time and I bought iRip and am able to pop movies on the thing. I have kids, so the 14 hour battery life is worth it. I watched 4 movies on the way to Norway last month – paid for itself right there.

I have the NY Times crossword on it as well – a daily addiction that has made more than 3 of my friends go and by the thing. I can’t get past Wednesday – but I’ll keep trying.

At night I like to read – but sometimes it’s boring so I’ve been watching Firefly (again) and also Doll’s House. Some friends have told me about Farscape – so that’s what I do (and I’m about to do that right now) when I go to bed. I know I know – but it’s nice to be in my bed instead of on the couch – the giggling gets to my wife though.

I redid my entire presentation at NDC2010 on the plane to Norway using Keynote.

The StarWalk app conveyed almost perfectly how the Earth rotates through night and day to my 8 yr. old. She also digs the coloring book.

When I was in Norway I rolled my photos out using the Picture Frame app. As dumb as it sounds – it helps to have some pictures while you’re away.

I could go on – but I sound like an Apple spokesman. I spose what I’m trying to offer here is that the iPad is not a replacement for your phone. It’s a consumer device, for sure, and one that I can’t honestly do without.

The books alone are worth it to me.