Form factor:

Students have carried spiral notebooks to classes for decades. No keyboard, doesn't fit in pocket. Small handheld spiral notebooks were much less common.

So, iPad form works for students.

I am typing on virtual keyboard now, on my N900. It works great. Bigger would be better and faster, however.

Skype would be great for students, iPad doesn't have that.

$30 unlimited data plan sounds about right, if there was Skype.

Conclusion: Nokia could beat the iPad, but isn't now.