After much ado and and the iPad being out of stock everywhere, I finally got hold of one. And my oh my, it is wonderful!
When the first generation ipad came out I was of those that scoffed and said, that’s not a real computer, what use can it be!? But then, last Christmas, I got to play around with one, albeit briefly. And I was sold. The screen? So bloody incredible!
However, I recently got a question asked to me on facebook, and it’s a good one:
“OK, honest question: what do you do with it which you couldn’t do before?”
That is a good question, and it got me thinking, so here’s the edited and slightly expanded answer.
Now, the short answer would be, not much. Or, rather, it would be: use apps. Which isn’t to be despised, because many of the apps are just stunning 
The longer answer would be, that while it is true that everything that I can do on the iPad, I can do on my netbook, the iPad makes many things so easy and pretty. On my netbook, I surf the net and visit all these websites, while on the iPad, I can use apps for many of them, apps that are much prettier and niftier than the actual websites. (Yes, I adore fancy UI’s and effects and everything like that.) And I love the touchscreen. It works so well with the apps (obviously, as they were made for touch screens), and it’s such an intuitive way to work. I truly believe that touch screens are the future. (not that they will replace normal computers, of course, just complement them)
Another good question is, what can my netbook do that my iPad can’t? The answer there would be the same as above, not much. Or, rather, not as I currently use it. Obviously an iPad cannot replace a computer (and it’s important to remember that the iPad isn’t actually a computer); I don’t think Magnus would be able to use his for working on when travelling, for example, the way he can do on his netbook. Nor would it be as good for editing photos and such. However, for surfing the net, keeping up with “social networking” (Facebook, twitter and the like), text editing, reading, rss, games, etc it’s remarkably good. Even writing on it is comfortable (though I do have a Bluetooth keyboard if I feel the need for it). In short, for the average computer user, it actually does very well.
If I hadn’t lived in the UK and so been able to get one subsidised on contract, I don’t know if I could have justified the cost. But so far, I do believe that the iPad is worth the extra cost compared to its competitors (at the moment, anyway). But, I’m only on my second day with my iPad, so who knows what I’ll think when the first awe over my new toy has passed. At the moment though, I think I’ll be spending less time on my netbook, because so much is easier to use on iPad. 
Also worth to note is that I’ve got 3G mobile Internet on it, so I can use it everywhere. (which will be nifty once I start doing sleep-ins, ie working sleeping nights) Now, that’s hardly iPad specific, as I could have got that to my netbook, and I already have Internet on my phone. But still, it’s nice. (not to mention that I got the iPad relatively cheap since I took it on contract).
It is interesting to note, that in many instances, the iPad feels snappier than my netbook. Might have something to do with the double core processor, or the fact that my netbook is often used to full capacity, poor thing, but either way, the iPad is quick and responsive and the capacitive touch screen is out of this world good. (kinda makes me want a iPhone, even though I love my HTC phone. Sometime in the future, perhaps)
I should perhaps add that I bought the iPad with the intention of also using it as an ebook reader. I do realise that the e-ink ones make better ebook readers, but that’s the only thing they do and I wanted more. With the iPad, I’ve got both iBooks and kindle (and PDF, of course, plus easy fanfic reading) instead of locking myself into one particular ebook type. Plus everything else it does. And, I’m not convinced that ebooks are better than real books, so I’m loathe to spend all that money on an e-ink reader. I do read ebooks and fics on my netbook, and I’m not bothered by the backlit screen, so I think the iPad will suit me fine.
And if I go travelling (to Sweden for example, as I am wont to do), I’ve got one small and lightweight device that can serve as computer substitute (writing, watching films, music, email, and all the rest), plus an ebook reader. Win, win!
There are loads of good apps and games out here, many of them free. I think the best one I’ve found yet is the twitter app and the rss app, much better than anything on the netbook. And Angry Birds Rio HD is every bit as fun as everyone said. The parrots are a bonus 
Oh, and the calendar I got is terrific!
Basically, the iPad is a beautiful device, and there are so many good apps for it, it’s just amazing. And I love love love having a touch screen.
Oh, and I’ve got a deep red back cover for it, which looks just amazing. *happy dance*
(and, as you can see, writing longish texts on the onscreen keyboard is a breeze!)
