I'm not an Apple zealot and much of what you say is true. The reality is the iPad services a niche that you are quite obviously not apart of. Even though you may be right it doesn't change the fact I quite enjoy my iPad. It's totally an extravagance that I probably never would have bought had I not won one, but it's a pretty slick device either way you slice it.

Don't compare it's prices to other overpriced crap like smartphones, compare it to standardized things like Tablet Notebooks and Laptops. Right now, for the same price, you can get a touch screen tablet pc laptop that is several times the computer and greatly benefits from using a full operating system, ports, etc and it is just as portable.

What do you mean real operating systems aren't designed for this? win 7, and many versions of Linux have native touch screen support that is more sensitive than apple's software and has more uses in graphic design and drafting. The ipad can't even run most of the important drafting programs you want touch screen for.

They multitask, have ports, can use peripherals. The rest of the computer world considers is standard.

The iPad is not even remotely on par with other Tablet Laptops. It brings nothing new, except proprietary limitations and hype. Since it is such an iconic piece, instead of being default upgraded and repriced all the time like Tablet Laptops are, it will be the same crap for the same price even a year after it comes out. Computer technology changes so rapidly that it's totally uncalled for.

Check this out, http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?Su…

Just compare the stats and even if those seem like competitive prices, remember that instead of just being limited to proprietary apps, those have full windows on them and can run millions of programs, office suites, printers webcams, factory equipment, keyboards, thumb drives and even dual boot with linux, or overclock. You cna put your movies, your mp3's and there is no software forcing you to use itunes or their software to view it. They have multitasking, gaming, drafting, peripheral support, and more.

Freedom, vs proprietary hell
Higher stats vs lower stats
Fair market price vs Standardized static price.

I'm an It person and I think there is no reason to buy an ipad, it was obsolete the day it was released. Everyone who owns one is just a fool easily parted with their money.

A car is an appliance, a fridge is an appliance. We treat these as easy to use, dependable, trouble free devices we require.
For what it does, at it's price point, it'a a little marvel in itself.

Will I buy one tomorrow? not sure it fits in for what I need right now, but that's a personal decision.
As you noted, plenty of people need exactly this type of thing in their hands — and that was Job's genius…. to push the concept that you can have all this in your hands right now, and for only $499……. love it.
As usual, Apple is ahead of the game, and defines the market. The linkup between the device and online stores and apps is an incredible revenue generator, AND it provides people convenience. Isn't that what any product is designed to do — fulfill a need?

In a way Apple is to be admired in that they tend to put the Users “experience” ahead of the tech. Lots of gadgets out there that do marvelous things, for few geeky adopters. Few that can speak to the masses like the iPad, though.
Wish I had bought stock in Apple in those dire days back in the 90's when they were messing up, don't you?
cheers.
Vince.