iPad is just a continuation of the money whore that Apple has become.
It runs only iTunes/app store programs.
It runs only iBookstore epubs (who's books cost $4-5 more).
It doesn't run Flash (whilst this doesn't matter as much on a phone, an "Internet viewing device" it's pretty important).
It's a beautiful, huge LCD screen:
it'll make your eyes bleed if you try and read a book
it'll kill the battery (does anyone honestly believe a 10 hour battery)
you can't run multiple programs
Yep, all that screen for one program at a time
To get any verbose use out of the device you'll have to:
buy a proprietary USB converter
buy a proprietary camera
buy a proprietary SD card converter
buy a proprietary dock with a keyboard
I'm saving my money for the Notion Ink Adam, possibly the HP slate, or maybe a Mirasol screened device if one crops up.
Itaque Omins Progredi