I like it a lot- it’s clearly a sign of the future. If you break it down to its essence, the iPad represents the beginning of mainstream computing’s switch away from the mouse, keyboard, desktop, and file metaphor of the past thirty (can you believe it?!) years. Coupled with the seamless online app distribution model, the evolution past most of the worst problems inherent in previous computing platforms (malware, system configuration issues, the exposure of complexity like command lines, etc.), and the ability for the platform to provide content distributors with full control over the use of their content through apps… All of the pieces are there and well executed.
As a device, the iPad has a few first generation hardware issues, which I’d list in the following order of importance:
It’s about twice as heavy as it needs to be to be comfortable enough to use as casually as you’d like.
It needs front and rear facing cameras.
The screen is too reflective for easy use outdoors.
Beyond those basic points, all of which are reasonable hardware shortcomings for a first generation product and will almost certainly be addressed in subsequent updates, I think the iPad has what it takes.
Add in a Retina display and it’s even better.
Will iPad 2 have all of these things? I want to say yes but I bet no. But I bet iPad 3 will have all of these and beyond.