When it comes to new technology ive learned through experience that the fastest way to get to know a device is to use it for a week. If in that time it doesn’t grab you by the lapels then it is probably not ever going to do it for you. This approach has its benefits and it’s problems. On the plus side it means that you get to be super excited without worrying to much if its just hype or really a ground breaking addition to your tech arsenal, whilst on the down side you are still likely to fall into the trap of instantly declaring anything new as amazing, groundbreaking or world changing.

So after a week with the Jesus pad, what are my feelings? It might be easier to answer that question with a question. Is this device going to replace the laptop? For me the answer is not yet, but it’s defintely onto something. Let’s look at the negatives first, it should have a camera, should have been launched with iPhone OS 4.0, should only be in in a 3G version, should come with the optional case as a default. Quite a list I’m sure you’ll agree! But all is not lost.

What does it do well, as a device to check your email in bed, it is unsurpassed. For me I can see the iPad sitting in my laptop bag, for easy access when im in an airport lounge, to check email, Facebook, or check an app. At home it will site beside the door charging, ready to be picked up as an automatic reaction as I come through the door to check email, or to get my news fix as I make a cup of tea. In the morning, beside my bed watch inlayer, a movie, or fb.

Actually reading the pro section back again, makes me realise that the activites I describe pretty much make up my entire routine, and perhaps that’s the point it is small light, and go anywhere – and i think it will sneak more and more into your daily routine as you customize it with apps. The thing is, nothing like this has existed before. The battery life, solid state memory and pen less touch interface are closing the gap on science fiction. Not just that, but actually making the device become indispensable, always there, always on always ready.

I’m honestly not sure where the iPad will go. I know it’s not ling anywhere in terms of disappearing. I’m enjoying the idea of watching my development with the device as the apps appear, i can hardly imagine what it will be in 5 years – perhaps it will be in the dictionary. For now for me it’s a slow burner. I don’t doubt it will evolve and grow, and I’m just enjoying the ride.

Just starting to setup my new iPad. Thus far reminds me very much of the feeling when I first used an iPod touch/iPhone, a strange mix of excitement, bewilderment, amazement and possibility. Plus points so far ; the typing experience is far better than on iPhone. I bought the transformable case for the iPad which can be turned into a picture frame or a little wedge support which makes it much more comfortable to type on , in fact my feeling is that given time you could easily become a pretty efficient typist on a ‘pad.

The screen and battery life are amazing, and the speed of the ne A4 processor is wonderful. Still not sure that I’ve made the right decision regarding getting the non 3G model, only time will tell. The 802.11n seems to be nippy- it looks like the UK pads have benefitted from work to remove the wifi bugs that plagued the first batches of American iPads. All in all … With the hype? I’d have to say absolutely it’s is a whole new class of device and finally the tablet form factor makes sense. The question for me is which format is going to be under threat more- smartphone, net book or laptop……time will tell.