Gorgeous, but its potential is not yet realized
I love almost everything Apple, but the iPad just isn't there yet, primarily because it doesn't replace anything with better functionality -- not a netbook, not a Kindle, not an iPhone. Yes, the display is absolutely gorgeous with its intense colors and sharp graphics. Yes, it is sleek and easy to slip into a briefcase. Yes, video and photos cannot look any better on a portable device. But . . . .

The iPad is dependent in part on apps that you can purchase in the iTunes store; however, many of those apps are either incompatible with the iPad (showing up on the tablet in iPhone screen size) or cost money. There just aren't many free iPad apps the way there are with the iPhone. The apps that do exist, whether for a price or free, just don't add much to the iPad's functionality.

While the touchscreen keyboard is much easier to use than that of its cousin the iPhone (because of its larger size), it's not built for typing more than a few quick emails or notes. Plus, if you use Word on your main computer, you can't install it on the iPad the way you can on a netbook. You're stuck with Apple's note program or a separate productivity app purchased from the App Store. As far I can tell, the only way to share notes is to email them to yourself. You cannot edit an existing document.

As an e-reader, it doesn't compare to the more portable, more book-like, lighter-weight Kindle 2, except in the case of books that have color photos and/or animated graphics. It may compete well with the larger Kindle DX, although I don't have one of those to compare. To download books, you have to be on a wireless network, unlike the Kindle, which uses free Whispernet for downloads. (Note: the iPad with 3G can download anywhere if you pay for monthly 3G service.) When I read on the iPad, it feels more like a computer than a book; the Kindle feels more like a book.

The iPad does not have a camera, either still or video. It does have a microphone for voice memos. Its speakers are much better than those of the iPhone 4; you can start up the iPod and put the iPad on a table to listen while you do other things. Still, I have a computer and separate iPod players in the areas of the house; music coming through real speakers sounds so much better. I do like that I can play music while using other apps, just the way I can on all versions of the iPhone. Its the only example of multitasking on the iPad.

I'm leaving this iPad for my husband to use. I'll use an iPad when Apple releases a version that has a camera and FaceTime; when it can share and edit files; when more (useful) free apps are available; when it allows multiple open window/apps the way the Mac OS does -- in short, when it successfully replaces one or more of my other devices.

The iPad has tremendous potential that isn't yet realized, and it is a fun toy to play around with. As to whether you should purchase this wireless version or the 3G, consider how you would use this and whether you want to pay for 3G service. You can tether your later model iPhone; however, that's an additional fee from ATT as well. I recommend the iPad for tech geeks who have to own the newest toys -- and as toys go, this is great. For the rest of you, hold off for a generation or two until Apple begins to fully utilize the power of this slender tablet.

-- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

Why I returned my iPad
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3DFXBUG2MCU8N Video from Apple fan on why I returned the Apple iPad

Excellent first gen product
I recently bought an Ipad 64 gb Wifi. I didn't bother getting the 3G version because I am able to tether my Ipad wi-fi to my 3G phone. My 3G phone can act as a wi-fi hotspot which the Ipad can use to access the 3g connection; and with an unlimited plan on my 3G phone, I can surf 24/7 without worrying about usage.
Although I am PC user, all my portable devices are Apple products, from the old first gen Ipod, first gen Itouch, to first gen Ipad- which isn't really portable. I like my Ipad. Interfact is very similar to the Itouch. The screen is HUGE, it's faster, the audio is much crispier and louder, a bit heavy but all in all, it's a very solid product. A lot of people say it's a big version of Itouch. In a way, I would say yes but performace wise, it's way way different. There's that sense of speed and stability that goes with the Ipad. It just runs so smoothly. Even downloading apps is just a two-click process.
I have downloaded quite a few free and paid apps, mostly productivity apps. There's a new patch coming out soon for the Ipad OS so I'm holding off on getting all crazy with every apps the catches my eye.
Together with the Ipad, I purchased a wireless Apple keyboard. It pairs with your Ipad in a snap. I suggest getting a keyboard if you're typing intensive. The virtual keyboard on the Ipad is responsive but I wouldn't use it so much. Sometimes I am heavy handed with my typing, I'm afraid I might crack the glass.
I've noticed a lot of people giving Ipad low scores in Amazon review; and most of these low-scorers have never owned an Ipad. I own one and I am loving it. I'm going to buy the wife her own Ipad.

overhyped for the price - mistake to buy
I made a mistake buying this overpriced toy thinking it might be easier to carry around than a laptop or books. But, it's a beautiful looking object.

As a laptop it doesn't work for me since I end up making too many typos when typing in addresses of my favorite sites.

As a book it works best at home. The Kindle and Nook work best in the sunlight. I've compared it to them with some friends that have Kindle and Nook.

It doesn't charge while downloading books.

It doesn't have a clock.

No multitasking.

Interface issues with numerous websites.

There is a monthly fee for broadband service to buy books.

Great idea, poor execution
This product has such great potential but yet again Apple has been too cheap to properly test it before release. I don't know what's causing it but the ipad goes crazy every now and again where the screen "thinks" you are resizing it and trying to copy and paste even though you aren't even touching it. It gets so stuck that I have to reset it and prey the problem does not come back...which it always does. I think Apple has become too smug in their sleek products and advertising that they have forgotten about actually testing these products before release.
The iphone 4 is another example of Apple's poor attention to detail. Try to get one fixed and you will find out about their PISS POOR customer service.