There has been a lot of hype about the iPad - does it deserve it?

I just bought a Dell mini 10, it's fabulous, does everything a big laptop or PC can do and it's small enough to put in the car glovebox or take on a plane without using all my hand baggage weight allowance. I did look at the Ipad, but just can't see that it would be as useful to me.... and my 'baby dell' was far cheaper!

its not that practical, it cant multitask etc plus it switches off in directsunlight, i dont know anyone whose dropped them but im betting that it would survive it + apple products have a nasty habit of blowing up when dropped. I've also heard that HP will be releasing their version soon. If you are looking for game playing ability the nintendo 3DS will be coming out soon and will revoluntionise everything! Also netbooks are by far the better option, being both faster and cheaper! or better yet a laptop :)

Well I'd go for the laptop if given a choice, but an Ipad isn't all bad. It's very nice to know that the technology is available nowadays to be able to make such a gorgeous looking object. I'm with you Kyra1, If I had the money spare, then I'd have one, if not I would wait for prices to reduce.

I went to look at one while I was away, I have to say that it's not all that it was hyped up be. And, I must list my concerns with it:

1: Way too heavy (I was expecting something the size of a mac book pro screen weight and thinness)

2: No USB socket

3: No basic camera

4: As mentioned below, no multitasking. urhh!!

5: Acts more like an electronic book rather than a notebook.

I think it's great to have around the house when popping over to have a coffee or read a book in a coffee house, it's great.

But, to also use it for the internet, it's appalling. - Really only offers single page website visibility an usability at it's best. - what a shame:(

Anyway, as Apple are Apple, they like adding tiny bits to their upgrade for more money rather than giving us it all at once..

Not for me, i'm afraid, am going to have a new laptop instead.

I don't know but I am hoping to find out this weekend when my brother brings round the one he has on loan from work at the moment. I know my friend has one and she thinks it is great but I will reserve judgement until I have actually used one myself. According to my brother my sister in law has not been off it since he has had it!! Will ask her what she thinks too.

i think it is only good depending on the usage that you will give it. it will work well if you just want it for quick Internet browsing and update your social networking sites, that type of thing, to read books (although I prefer to have a book in my hands for this purpose myself), store your pics and music. But it certainly cannot replace a laptop.

IPad not as functional as a laptop so go for the laptop everytime.

Another fashion accessory type, overpriced apple product. More functionality and just as portable laptops available so I'd go with an ultraportable laptop any day of the week.

It's another example of form over function provided by Apple. I would say that most of the Apple products are good and look great but they are usually not as innovative as people believe or as functional as other products. Tablet PC's have been around for years and were never that successful.

They look very stylish but you pay a premium for this and other manufacturers provide equally good products a lot cheaper. I would have one if it was free but I don't think I would buy one at the moment. £600 could buy a really fantastic laptop!!

Also, they just look like a big iPhone but it can't even make phone calls!!!

My husband has one and loves it for watching movies particularly whist in bed (while I'm still asleep :)) To me I see it as a waste, when he already has an iPhone 4 and apple laptop, I don't see that it does anything new, but he had to have one!