David, I know you've abandoned the idea of an iPad; however, here is a website for anyone else considering one that discusses the pros and cons. http://barefeats.com

The ipad review is here: http://barefeats.com/ipad2.html

Barefeats is the absolute go-to site for the lowdown on what a Mac can do and what its innards promise. I never buy any Mac computer without checking with him first.

I've followed his advice for replacement drives that have boosted performance 2-3X, and his off-the-charts nerdism about displays, Mac products, and extras to buy have never led me astray.