it is released isn't it? just look at apple's site
Well it's in the Apple Store but it's not out yet. WiFi model gets released in 60 days and the 3G model gets released in 90 days.
At ESA that was a semi joke when I talked about the price increase for the 3G model with GPS lol. But honestly I think it was the right move because it gives more price ranges for people that don't need 3G. Would you rather have a base price of $629 with 3G or the option to buy one without 3G for $499.
I personally think that these are going to eventually take over just like the iPhone revolutionized the smart phone market. Remember when the iPhone was released? I actually remember starting a thread here about it when they started advertising it and everybody was so against it saying it was a dumb idea. Now look at how popular it is.
Netbooks are alright but there not meant to be a laptop/desktop replacement. There small and portable designed for doing simple tasks. I guess if you want to you could use them for pretty much everything but I'm sure at least 90% of people that own an actual netbook also have a desktop/laptop too.
It's the same concept with the iPad. It's not meant to replace your PC/Laptop. It weighs 1.5 pounds and if you take a look at some of the accessories on apples site, IE the leather folder with flip up stand. Take it with you on a family visit to show off some photo's and pass it around. Pretty much anyone can grasp the concept of running there finger across the screen to flip through pictures. Less clunky than a laptop to pass around and have people click through photo's.
Imagine sitting at home on the couch watching some TV. Nothing good is on and you feel like browsing the web a little. Touch screen interface is going to kill any laptop/netbook experience for basic browsing. Or in the morning having a cup of coffee. Check your mail, maybe download a podcast of your favorite series to watch or just read a newspaper. I think you'll soon find magazine subscriptions coming via the iPad. So much for newspapers and magazines when you can just download your monthly issue via the iPad. Not only would you get the articles but you could access video reviews too.
There are a lot of possibilities here. The interaction is much better than a netbook/laptop with the multi touch screen interface. Sure it has it's handicaps but remember it's not supposed to be a replacement device. People love there iPhones for the media functions and this is just a larger version that's still portable and provides a lot of the same functions with a larger more user friendly screen.