[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I think the next version will be a game changer but this first iPad will make some happy, will be ok for the majority of buyers, and will greatly disappoint quite a number of buyers. Will it live up to the hype? Probably not V.1. V.2 probably will, but that doesn't help all these First Adopters who end up with an expensive new "toy" that will be outdated in only a few short months.

The way I sort of see it is that the iPad is not targeted at the business market. It's targeted more at a younger audience who has grown up with iPods and iPhones and are looking for something more versatile than a Netbook, but not needing a full laptop.

If they develop wireless file transfers from people's digital cameras and such, then having no slots of memory cards or a built-in camera becomes less important in the decision-making process.

I don't see much logic (from a market share point of view) of Apple developing iPad into a full-on replacement for their laptops. Why steal customers from one division to create sales in another division of the same company? However, if it can create a niche market for itself, then it can win market share from non-traditional, non-Apple laptop customers. I think they are targeting iPhone customers who want to love their devices but want to do more on a larger screen. Get these customers to fork out hundreds of dollars for constantly improved new models like they already do with their iPhones & iPods.

If Apple is able to sign exclusive contracts with major book, textbook, and journal publishers to be the sole providers of the eBook version of their publications, then this will be a game-changer. Imagine how many college and university students will buy one so that they don't have to constant buy & lug around heavy print textbooks. Imagine how many professionals will want one to download and read countless journals and eNewspapers to stay up-to-date and informed. Adding this exclusive feature (and stealing it away from Amazon) would greatly change people's perception of the iPad from a cool new "toy" (like a big iPhone) to a necessary, everyday tool that will pay for itself in convenience, cost-savings, and other advantages.

Sorry for the essay.

Anthony