I am an iPhone user who does "a LOT of Web surfing and content consumption," but the thing that bothers me the most about my iPhone is not the screen size. It's the inability to run multiple apps concurrently. No background apps is an absolute deal breaker for me re: iPad v1.0. If they eliminate that AND another con on your list I might be in, but until it allows multi-tasking I'm out.

Yeah it's a little overhyped since it's just basically an oversized iPhone. But I'll probably get one once the price comes down and the memory goes up.

Check it out:

http://www.ipadlot.com

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You forgot the pretty extensive battery life.
As well as the screen being around 720 hd, I still would prefer a total hd display.

Yeah, I didn't mention the battery as a pro or con because I want to see how it holds up under "real world" tests by trusted reviewers. -gs

Funny my pro con list looks almost the same as yours.
http://www.proconlists.com/list/technology-science/apples-ipad/27

I think its a slick web browsing device that would be perfect for reading blogs in bed, ordering movie tickets from your couch, and watching media on a bigger and much more impressive display. It doesn't need USB/HDMI, it doesn't need flash support with HTML5, doesn't need a phone, doesn't need a camera. it just has to be a simple device that gets you on the web to experience web content.

Multi task apps would be nice.

I'm a photographer, and I think it would be neat to show clients my work on this device, maybe have them flip through it like a portfolio. I'm excited.

I am surprised by the lack of info on the screen technology and how lighting effects reading on it. I have been looking forward to a color e-reader, but that would mean something less intensive on the eyes than a normal LCD screen.

How is the lighting?

It seems Mirasol is ahead on this point.

I think Flash will come in time. I agree that USB is not a big deal, especially as I have read that file sharing is better integrated into the OS (and there are already apps available for the iPhone OS for that purpose, of course).

As for the multitasking, if in fact the iPad switches apps much more quickly than an iPod Touch/iPhone (which the live blogging during the event seemed to imply) AND if it has a dock at the bottom of the screen that stays in sight at all times so that you don't have to go back to the Home screen all the time to switch apps, then isn't that close enough?

I'm bit torn about the size; it's just big enough that I think I'd still need my iPod Touch to carry around in my purse constantly. So maybe I will live without an iPad a little longer!

As a teacher, however, I am very interested in the possibilities for a) data entry into electronic gradebooks right on the fly as I am walking around the room observing my students at work (the Touch is definitely too small, and a laptop way too bulky), and b) student use as a replacement for texbooks and laptops--if it is durable enough. I think there will need to be some printing capability for it to be a useful classroom tool for students--we aren't yet a paperless society!

I was planning to get an Ipad until i saw this. It does look great but because there is no background apps and no USB. A mini laptop is about the same price and has everything i need. It is sad because the Ipad is so pretty.

RE comment by teacher Lourens Grobbelaar, amusing to think 100 years on we could have the slate back in classrooms! (Methinks not until the price comes down though!)

I've never owned any of the new iTouch technology (itouch, iphone). Would it be smart to make this my first investment into it.

I think you need to consider first how would you use the device. Do you want something more portable? Than an Apple iPod Touch (or its cousing, the iPhone) may be more appropriate for you. Do you see yourself watching a lot of video, reading a lot and keeping the device mostly lying around your house or at work? Then you may wish to consider the iPad. That's how I'm assessing it. -gs

It's not a large iphone -- since it can't be used as a phone. It's just a large ipod maybe.

Great Apple iPad review.

Personally, the number one drawback is the lack of a USB. Other than that, I'm in!

hi there your data is wrong about apps there will be 150,000 apps right out of the box becuase the iphone and ipod touch also has the same os wich has 150,000 apps and your right html5 video will replace flash soo say good buy too flash it probaly wont last and for true hd the lowest hd is 480 p soo i hope this is a help

I think the lack of USB is what bugs me the most. They are forcing you to by storage from Apple at high prices.

I had the same exact list.. and then went out and bought it anyhow. Is it perfect? NO. Do I regret it? NO. Would I do it again... YES.

The iPad is a harbinger of the future. By learning by using the first step in the journey we will progress to future editions that fulfill more of our needs.

In the meantime I appreciate it for what it is, wish it was more, and eagerly wait for the generations to come.

For me the biggest surprise is no usb. The biggest disappointment is no video/hdmi out. The keyboard is not bad for typing unless your doing some serious work on it.