I agree with Leo Laporte on the iPad--it's great as long as you consider it a media consumption device, not a laptop. I probably wouldn't read much on it, but I can see doing things like looking stuff up as I play games on my PC (for instance, using thottbot or wow wiki while playing wow), or for reading on when there is still on my monitor (for instance, scanning articles while working on an paper or article on the big screen). I could also see getting comfortable on the couch and watching some Youtube videos or possibly even a show via netflix.

I recently got to play with one and was very impressed! The oily smudges are a problem, though. I used one that belonged to a fastidious lady, and even that one was quite smudgy. I'm sure mine would soon be as greasy and disgusting as my phone. On a positive note, though, the interface is very slick, very fast, and quite sleek. It *is* heavier than I expected, though. It needs to be about 15% lighter to really be comfortable holding up. As it is, you'll want to be sitting down and holding it in your lap.

I have no real interest in a Kindle. I don't tend to read many books at once, and certainly wouldn't mind bringing a paperback or two with me on a trip. Besides, the flight stewardesses would probably prevent you from using it during takeoffs and landings anyway. Then you'd be stuck reading the flight mag.

There is an AWESOME game that apparently comes with it-- a sort of air hockey thing. You can even play it two player! It was so much fun. You use your fingers to control the...what DO you call that thing? The little thing that bounces the pucks around. Anyway, it was awesome.