I wonder how many people were saying they didn't need an iPod when the first, clunky, device was released back in 2001? And then iTunes came along, and following the introduction of the iTunes Store in 2003 suddenly the Apple iPod was the portable music device to own, ignore the rest.

If the content providers can provide their wares for this iPad device, and they surely will, it may be another slow burn success for Apple.

I could see the day when great content - interesting, insightful content - is only available on a subscription basis for the Apple iPad. And not for any other similar device. And not via the traditional web where it can be had for free.

Who knows where Apple are heading with this, but I suspect this is just the beginning of a longer term strategy dictating how we consume media, and how they will be able to control it.