The money quote, the pay-off pitch, for all you inquirers, if you will…

I suppose this is the big question: do I really need an iPad? Generally, I’d say the answer is no. In fact, try as I might, I can’t think of too many situations in which anyone would really need one. In most cases I tend to agree with Michael Hyatt who said the iPad is a beautiful solution in search of a problem. We all want it, but few of us need it. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that most people use it far more in the first two weeks than they do in the subsequent two months. Though it has plenty of initial wow power, eventually many people will drift back to their trusty laptops or desktops to do most of what they need to do on computers–at least for now. The fact is, though the touch interface has a lot to commend it and though it may well be a big part of the future, it is still underdeveloped and unfamiliar. The iPad has many of the makings of a great solution but Apple hasn’t yet clearly identified the problem it is supposed to solve; and neither have the app developers.

Here are some cases in which it might be a good (even if not necessary) addition to your life:

In place of a netbook. I would easily buy an iPad before any of the netbooks out there.

If you have very simple requirements for your devices. If you want to do little more than basic surfing and emailing and want to be portable, the iPad is a good solution.

If you love to read and are looking for a high-quality e-book reader (that you can read indoors). I anticipate doing more reading on the iPad than on the Kindle. But if I go to the beach and want to kick back with a book, I’ll have to go with the Kindle which performs best under the brightest lights.

If you want to be mobile with basic computing requirements. That is, you want more than your iPhone but less than your laptop and want to be able to drop it into a purse or briefcase.

As a Bible and note-taking device. Though for now I am not a big fan of electronic Bibles, if you like them, you will find the iPad far more useful than your iPhone or any other device.

If you are interested in purchasing this device, I would encourage you to go and read the entire review in full, where Tim unloads his thoughts… HERE

As, in the words of Rene on Allo, Allo, I Know Nothing, as it relates to the iPad [some would say why stop there], I did find Challies review illuminating and helpful.  I do like the idea of owning an e-book reader, but like many ideas, this may stay in my dreaming, as the cost vs reward of this device, seems too high a price to pay!

However, I would be prepared to accept one as a gift!  Any takers… I Know, “it is the thought that counts!”  However, this philosophy doesn’t seem to provide the same satisfaction when you apply this “thinking” in the context of using this device!  However, these “thoughts” are free, and this reality, sounds pretty good-to-me!

If you own this device or have been caught using one, we encourage your interaction, incoherent or otherwise!

For the Fame of His Name

Man of Spin

H/T: Justin Taylor and Z Neilsen on Twitter