This has been an very interesting thread to follow, so far. I agree with what has been said about the iPad as far as it being a larger form factor iPod touch. Yes, that's what it is, folks. Apple's particular strength is in the UI and the overall user experience. The device will be incredibly easy to use (with a very attractive interface) and is perfect for the target audience. I am thinking that they will sell a healthy amount of these. It's evolutionary from the iPhone and iPod touch and builds on the familiarity that users have with both. Plus, it opens up new ways for Apple to leverage the already successful iTunes and App Store. Also, there are 100+ million iTunes users of whom probably a significant amount will see this as a nice device to have under the Christmas tree...

I don't see myself purchasing an iPad, but that's mostly because I don't like the walled-garden approach that Apple currently has for gaining and providing content (I am happy that they are using Epub, for example, but it looks like they may have their own proprietary DRM).. Perhaps if it was more open, then I would consider getting the cheapest model.

I do believe that Nokia, with the right focus and attention to detail, could really make the N series devices quite amazing, as well. So far, I have to say that the N900 MicroB browser is truly excellent and really matches Safari on the iPhone. It's still let down by flash (I really hope that 10.1 will be a big improvement), but at least it has flash .

I'm just kinda sad that the rest of the N900 is so uninspiring. I keep using it for browsing, but my main communication device is still my Android phone. I'm hoping that things will improve, but, if not, the competition is not standing still and the good thing is that there are other options .

I hope Nokia really appreciates the folks who created the browser on the N900. It's truly the best thing about it and the only reason I didn't return it.

Now, I would like to see Nokia put this same level of excellence into the rest of the features (phone, email, messaging, etc.) and then it would really be something!

Oh, and I would also like to be able to upgrade the N900 to Maemo6 if that excellence will only be applied there...