One way of thinking about it ... is to not let it out of the house, so you don't need a 3G data plan, in which case it is relatively inexpensive and can be used as a very simple device to consume content ... no longer does SWMBO need to print internet recipes, she just has an iPad in the kitchen . . . . 

Could make an excellent MCP.....👍

rayfenwick wrote:

Could make an excellent MCP.....👍

Agreed🙂

I think the iPad has a large market as a wireless controller in general - it will make a really good controller for DAW's/soft synths etc. and I would be surprised if some studios don't have several lying about in the weeks/months to come. Watch out for the iPad's first appearance in a music video/band performance near you!

It could also replace the "coffee table" book where visitors can pick it up and "browse" etc.

Can I think of a use (for me) outside the home - not really, if I'm working I'll have my (more versatile) laptop, if not I wouldn't be carting something that large about with me.

We need to see apps where the iPad is the best device for the application rather than "because it can" type apps.

At the moment I think it's an "additional" device, in that it's not a solution to anything on it's own and as such, once the initial "queueing round the block to get one" has died down it'll be interesting to see for what purpose folk are buying them.

Apparently one of the biggest downloads on day one was "Scrabble"🙁

My iPad was delivered Saturday and I am, quite simply, thrilled with it. Our Macbook Pro suddenly seems big and clumsy and outdated. All operations on it are extremely simple. The size is wonderful for portability. I find it much more comfortable to be on the internet with it in hand instead of the Macbook in my lap.

I have found four uses for it at work already. 1. the notepad function is brilliant and obviously easier to type on than on an iPhone. 2. The Dragon dictation software for it works brilliantly.  I will now be dictating and making some minor edits to documents on it and emailing to the person who does my typing to finalize the format. 3. I have also found an app which allowed me to install books I need for work that take up almost two feet of shelf space as books, but are all now on the iPad and easier to search and read and can have with me at all times. 4. I have installed large documents for work on it allowing me to attend meetings without bringing large amounts of paperwork or a bulky laptop with. The documents are actually easier to read on the iPad as the touch screen allows one to flip through the pages back and forth much like a book.

The Calendar on it in conjunction with MobileMe is sublime.

The interface for using it as an iPad is spectacular. I have noticed on the Apple store a stand/docking station that has connections built in for powered speakers. iPad and pair of Beolab 4s and  one would have a brilliant cheaper alternative to a Beosound 5. (sound quality and storage capacity of course may be issues for some)

The map program which includes full 3d images of metropolitan areas is incredible. I was able to go to the hotel we stay at in Chicago, spin the view around 360 degrees and see everything as well as looking directly up at the sky, and then walk down the street, turn at corners etc, and at any point stop and again have 360 degree views.

It has exceeded my expectations.  Last night I showed it to a friend of mine who has a dedicated home theater (non-B and O) in his basement, raised seating etc, and also is an Apple fan/user. When I talked to him on the phone he said that an iPad was not something he would be purchasing anytime soon, other things he wanted/needed more. After I showed it to him, however, he turned to his wife and told her they need to order one.

I'm waiting on the 3G model personally, but I've had some good hands on time with it and it meets my expectations perfectly. I spend a lot of time on foot in the city for work and play and am at job sites 3-4 days out of the week where I need access to calendars, documents, note-taking, etc. My MacBook Air has been my constant companion and a lifesaver in my quest to shed weight from my briefcase, but the iPad will be even more ideal.

So much of my life is walking around referring to things on a clip-board and taking notes and I've had to deal with printouts and legal pads because I can't really walk around with an open laptop. The iPad will make much of my work very streamlined.

Also, I was keenly interested in the keyboard and found that I can type just as well and just as fast on the touch keyboard as on the Air. It's phenomenal. 

It's interesting that most, if not all, of those that work in the field of ergonomics have listed many potential issues in using the device for extended periods.

beaker wrote:

As the Ipad is now out in the US I thought I would ask what they actually are. Why do you need one. What does it do that an Iphone can't. I know it has a bigger screen but it has no camera or phone so what is its use apart from being a big heavy thing to cart around.

Need?  I don't need an iPad.  I want an iPad!  However I do agree that how its going to be used is a good question.  For me it will probably never leave home.  I have decided I will use it for reading books, occasionally for music, reading newspapers, and viewing photos.  I already have an iPhone which I take everywhere and will continue to use my Macbook when traveling.