One could build a fully functioning SL iPad from parts for under $1000, allowing them to also run an iPhone emulator. That means that Apple could have done it for less.

I still think (sincerely) the processor argument is not pertinent. We don’t know, and it really doesn’t matter how well it would or wouldn’t run Snow Leopard. Sure, some jailbreak hack site will try, but for the other 99.99999% of us that isn’t a useful ruler.

I’ll agree with your last paragraph. I’m quite glad there are WIFI only options, that works fine for me. I don’t need nor desire a 3G connection for such a device. I won’t be ordering one on day one, but I don’t order anything on day one. After 3 or 4 months I can see getting the $499 model, or maybe the next step up.

I will use Skype with it, FYI. I use the cam maybe once or twice a year on my MacBook, but use audio Skype all the time.

I’ll be at the coffee shop with my iPad. You’ll have your Ubuntu netbook. We’ll both think we will have the better option, and the world will spin on….

@Keith- buy an iPad if you’re so impressed with it. We’re all drinking the same kool-aid, but it sounds like the bartender needs to cut you off.

I also know the difference between the hard drives on the two devices. My point had nothing to do with power usage or retrieval time or any other differences between the systems. I just think that it’s a joke that in 2010 someone would want to carry around a $500, 10 inch, 1.5 lb device with only 64Gb of storage or less, with no ability to expand on it – battery life or not.

Yes, you can listen to iTunes and run another app, but what about Pandora or AIM? Multitasking has been around for twenty years, and in computer time that’s a aeon. It doesn’t multi task because it’s only running iPhone OS 3.2

You might not believe it, but I’m a HUGE Apple fanboy and am known for it around the Zugara offices. I work on an iMac here and personally own an iMac, a Macbook, and an iPhone 3GS. I will, however, not own a first generation, $829 (only one half way worth it) half-computer that costs another $30 every month.

Processor speed, without any other information – does not tell you that your netbook has a faster processor. Simply put, you nor I know. Listing it as a reason either shows desire to deceive or no knowledge about processors. I have no reason to believe you are trying to deceive – the post seems really sincere. You probably need to learn more about processors before further public statements.

Your 160 moving parts HD comparison to Solid State HD storage in the iPad is a bit silly. Sure, SSD are smaller. And faster. And use less power. And have no moving parts. there just might be a reason Apple chose that.

We’ll see, but I rather suspect the iPhone OS on the iPad with small tweaks will be perfect. And no one said it didn’t multi-task, they just didn’t stand on a stage and said it did. The multi-task issue just isn’t an issue on the iPhone for example – it will multi task between running music and a newspaper app for example, but you can’t play two games at once. Which you wouldn’t anyway.

You’ll get it better soon, if you will allow yourself.