There are two conclusions to be made about the Apple iPad. As a product you could buy, it's a tempting but ultimately unconvincing device. Anyone with a particular penchant for Apple, or enough money to burn and a love of shiny tech, are likely to buy into it.

The iPad is fun . It can't and doesn't want to replace a notebook or netbook. And as soon as the small computer is seen as a pure entertainment device, the advantages are obvious. The interactive consumption of multimedia content is the main application field of the iPad.

Precise touchscreen use; Outstanding IPS screen; Silent; Good battery life; Appstore and iPhone compatibility; Workmanship; design; interaction

Arrow keys are missing (virtual and hardware; Only Apple Apps permitted (no alternative browser; Few expansion options; iOS4 not yet available; A few functions of a full-fledged operating system

The Apple iPad is out and all the reviews are hitting the web fast. We take a turn at the entry level 16GB WiFi model to see if it is really worth it.

Apple's iPad is finally here. Neither a smartphone nor a laptop, the iPad is Apple's attempt to create a new category of device that sits in between the two. It's expensive, there are plenty of hardware flaws and missing features, and there is a lack of content, but the iPad remains a very...

Design; outstanding screen; App Store; excellent battery life; impressive performance; works with existing iPhone apps; great digital photo frame

Holding and typing is awkward; display smudges easily; screen almost impossible to see in direct sunlight; no USB port; no SD card reader; no camera; Web browser doesn't support Flash; currently limited content

The Apple iPad isn't an eBook reader, which makes it very hard to compare it to other eBook readers. It doesn't use e-ink technology, it's heavy, you can't read out of it in bright places, and the display will strain your eyes eventually.

Amazing design; Most intuitive interface yet; Full-color screen; Wi-Fi and 3G wireless; Will do just about anything

LCD display is hard to read from in bright places and will eventually strain your eyes; Battery lasts only ten hours; Heavy; Costs almost twice as much as the Kindle 2 or Nook; Additional 3G wireless fees apply (around $130

The Good Quality construction Attractive housing Vibrant, bright display 802.11n Wi-Fi 3G-enabled (certain models) 10 hours of battery life Fast processor App Store compatibility Usable virtual keyboard The Bad Lacks support for Flash content No multitasking with current firmware Screen difficult to...

Quality construction; Attractive housing; Vibrant; bright display; 802.11n Wi-Fi; 3G-enabled (certain models; 10 hours of battery life; Fast processor; App Store compatibility; Usable virtual keyboard

Lacks support for Flash content; No multitasking with current firmware; Screen difficult to view in direct sunlight; No camera; Heavy to hold for extended periods; Lacks HDMI output; native HD resolution

Apple iPad 32 GB WiFi

Design / Quality of the screen; Easy-to-use interface / Fast; responsive navigation; Application store; Web browsing; Battery life

All the optional kits and adapters that aren't included but often necessary; Screen glare and fingerprints; Weight; Video: no DivX compatibility - file conversion required; Internet: no Flash compatibility

It was hyped and ripped before it even had a name, and after it was announced, it was both praised and panned. Apple's iPad has been the subject of debates about the future of technology and media, and massive speculation about whether people will really want to buy and use it.

It's a very expensive but essentially fun toy. Not quite mobile, not quite PC, but engaging anyway.

Fantastic design Easy to use Lends itself well to the average consumer

Incredibly expensive Doesn't know what it wants to be Tough for work No Flash support; But you knew that

Another fantastic device from Apple, but we're not so happy about the price premium you pay for the 3G version.