I don't know whether to or or

...and if it can be jailbroken, there's scope for multitasking anyway, or at least backgrounding of apps .

I'll have to retract some of what I said about lack of connectivity, but I still see this thing mainly as a flashy useless gadget. Maybe, if I didn't have a laptop, I might see some use for this, but even then the OS this thing holds would be a definite deal-breaker, as well as the one-trick-at-a-time ability.

Nokia has had their Internet Tablet out for a couple of years already, too, but apparently it hasn't been a huge hit. Granted, it is much smaller than the iPad, but with very similar features, so it's not like the ipad is really even bringing much new to the table, to be honest. Larger size, check, sleeker design, check, seamless integration to the Apple ecosystem, check, oh, and the 3G capability when willing to pay more, check. Like one friend of mine said "it's like netbook, only crappier". Not to mention when Nokia announced their minilaptop/netbook some time back, I found that to be a bit of an overpriced dud as well. I'd think most of the crowd willing to get a netbook, will get a netbook and not this thing, unless they specifically want an Apple product to complement their Apple repertoire.

Meh, at this point of its lifespan I see this thing mainly as a mere vanity item thats maybe fun to show off to houseguests or lugging it to an internet cafe to show to everybody. Sorry, not impressed at all. Last time I felt this much of 'NOT impressed' was with the LCS (Liquid Cooling System -- which was basically just a way overclocked G5 requiring all that cooling). Scratch that, I laughed back then and loved the way the Apple Hype Department spun that one, and wasn't quite as much 'NOT impressed' as this time.

Not to say this won't grow to be something revolutionary, though, I do see a lot of potential and that touch screen operation is the future of computing (and smartphones etc.), but for me, personally, right now this thing could use real OS X to have more (real) apps on, bigger data capacity obviously, or a wi-fi access to a NAS box would do it, too, and a pressure sensitive stylus for sketching and other design work would be a killer. Or even Office suite support for many would work obviously for field work.

I think (HOPE) we're going to start seeing data plans from wireless carriers that are going to allow multiple devices. Paying $60 for phone access, $60 for tablet access, $60 for netbook/laptop access is a bit ridiculous.

After all I pay one fee for my home 'net access and have various computers, game stations, DVR's plus ipod and phones accessing through it.

But VOIP would be neat and a free function.

No, it's not multifunctional. It's exactly like the iPhone/iPod Touch. Unless they do some major re-writing of the iPhone OS, it'll never be multifunctional unless you jailbreak it.

No USB port. The only connector is the one for the cable to computer. But there are 2 devices already for it:
iPad Camera Connection Kit
The Camera Connection Kit gives you two ways to import photos and videos from a digital camera. The Camera Connector lets you import your photos and videos to iPad using the camera’s USB cable. Or you can use the SD Card Reader to import photos and videos directly from the camera’s SD card.

No, you can't connect via WiFi. At least, if it's like the iPhone, you can't. (can you do it with yours?) Looks like you can only sync via the cable. The Bluetooth is only for the keyboard/headset.

Wireless
With built-in 802.11n, iPad takes advantage of the fastest Wi-Fi networks. It automatically locates available Wi-Fi networks, which you can join with a few taps. iPad also comes with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, letting you connect to devices like wireless headphones or the Apple Wireless Keyboard.

Yup, dumbest name ever. What were they thinking???

A phone and voip are two different things -- you wouldn't even need 3G for voip, for instance =)

Well, like I say, there has to be *some* way to get iWork files on and off the device, and those files will probably be too large to e-mail ... so there's got to a wired or wireless connect functionality to xfer files somewhere in there ;-)

MicMeister, I think you are missing the point of this device. You seem to be wanting just another laptop. I'm pretty sure Apple's vision for the family is one central "full fledged" computer, and a cheaper satellite device for everyone else in the family. You'll import and edit all your photos/videos/etc. on the main computer and the results will be available to everyone that's interested.

It's not going to be for everyone, because some people do things like code websites or work in maya for fun. (I'm guessing you fall into this category) If the device doesn't do what you enjoy doing a large percentage of your time it would be a "flashy useless gadget". Fortunately it's going to do practically everything I want it to (and the majority of consumers). The fact that it's a giant/super iPod Touch is what's selling me. It'll be something I can use for hours at a time on the couch …unlike an iPod Touch, which is too small for casual use.