<p>Can the Kindle display textbooks as well? I’m thinking about getting one…(my birthday is tomorrow, so it’s time to turn on the puppy eyes)</p>
<p>Yes, some are available. but they tend to be static and not the interactive experience offered by the iPad. I have read where Amazon is developing a more interactive touch based device, but it is not currently available.</p>
<p>I’ve actually been fine reading some books on my iPhone (esp late at night). I have both Kindle and the B&N e-reader on my iPhone, and then a B&N nook as a digital reader.</p>
<p>Just announced for those with Kindle libraries or wanting books sold through Kindle/Amazon.
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<p>I don’t even know how to send a text message and here they are creating something else new. I hope they don’t stop printing books and do away with public libraries.</p>
<p>idad, I’ve heard of the iPad’s beautiful interactive touch screen and I agree that it would be great for eBook reading, but only for short periods of time. The main issue I have with the iPad being used as a e-reader is that it is back-lit; and in that case, my netbook/laptop would serve me better. </p>
<p>I just read a Time article (by Lev Grossman) on the iPad and Steve Jobs. While he enthusiastically condones it with his typical humor, I don’t see the iPad taking over the world just yet. It’ll have to go through a lot of revisions in order to satisfy most consumers that are not looking for an upgraded version of their iPhone.</p>
<p>And yes, I’ve also heard rumors of a touch screen Kindle with a better organizational system. Crossing my fingers :/</p>
<p>Backlit IPS LCD screens do not cause eye strain. It is an urban legend. The screen used in the Kindle can be read in direct sunlight, the iPad in the dark. One simply has to choose which is best for them. Eye strain is caused by how we look at the display, how often we blink, etc. With the new pad-based systems we can more naturally adjust the angle at which we read. From Paul Thurrott’s tech blog:
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<p>I don’t own Apple stock (unfortunately), nor have any connection the company, but I think this thing will revolutionize how computers are used. Interestingly, I have a hunch we might see more desktop computers sold. Many may opt for a very powerful computer with a widescreen at home and travel with the (relatively) inexpensive iPad-like device. I am thinking of dumping my 5.5 LB notebook for an iPad and a quad core iMac (both for about the same price as a decked-out notebook).</p>
<p>Hmm. That is very interesting. I’ll have to research more on that.</p>
<p>I guess it comes down to personal preference then; I feel uncomfortable gazing at a brightly lit screen (a bit hypocritical of me, since I spend a sizable chunk of my time on my computer). I’m more of an obsolete paper person :]</p>
<p>So…who owns an I-Pad?</p>
<p>How is it?</p>
<p>I’m going to the Apple Store tonight. I’ll take a look at it and maybe buy one if I like it. Of course they may be sold out by the time I get there. The iPad with the data plan sounds a bit more interesting as the data plan is reasonably priced and you don’t need a phone contract with it. We have two residences so maybe one at each location. My main use would be web browsing and maybe watching videos.</p>
<p>I do own Apple Stock. I bought on as soon as the market opened after 9/11 as a patriotic gesture to support the market and the economy. </p>
<p>I wish I had bought three times as much; I had very little money. The stock is worth ten times what I put into it.</p>
<p>So buy ipads!</p>
<p>Actually, since all my money is going to tuitions, I am not buying one yet, but as a college teacher, I would love to have it in the classroom.</p>
<p>As a developer, it’s probably a platform that I should learn. We had a few engineers in the office that played around with the iPhone SDK when it came out. Apple’s pretty good about making the development tools free or cheap which is a great way to encourage the developer community. I got a PowerMac G5 many years ago because I wanted to learn the processor architecture. I think that the iPad is a good device to just enjoy too.</p>
<p>Glad you’re making coin on Apple Stock. It’s a great company and employs a lot of people in the US.</p>
<p>Well…I went to a Best Buy 10 minutes after it opened. No line. I was the first one to buy one. </p>
<p>It’s heavier than I thought. 1.5 lbs. is heavy. 
Looks really cool. I think it’s going to be a great product…if I can figure out how to start it. :)</p>
<p>This is the first time in my life…I bought a product the day it came out. I thought I was above that sort of thing. :)</p>
<p>^^keep us updated as to what your impressions are! I have a 3G ipad on order.hope it ships soon!</p>
<p>3g models don’t ship until the end of the month. Which plan are you getting with it? The $15 plan seems like way too little bandwidth on first glance unless you’re doing most of your surfing using your home WiFi.</p>
<p>1.5 Pounds probably feels heavy because the device is fairly small. My big laptop is almost 8 pounds and my small laptop is about 4.5 pounds so 1.5 pounds should feel light for me.</p>
<p>I walked by my local Apple store today and while there was a small line, people were coming out with iPads. Didn’t seem like they were waiting long. I do covet one, but can’t justify it … Yet.</p>
<p>I read an article on sales at the NYC store and there were people in line from Friday at 6:00 PM. Apparently they were selling about two iPads per minute so the sales process was very efficient.</p>
<p>I did read an article that says that Skype works well on the iPad so I guess that it can be used as a phone too.</p>
<p>I can’t connect to YouTube</p>
<p>i think that’s because it lacks Flash and Adobe and Apple are still at loggerheads.</p>
<p>There should be a button that goes directly to YouTube. You don’t go there using the browser. I’ve never had any problems with YouTube on my iPod Touch. YouTube does a special non-flash thing for Apple. Other content companies are doing the same thing.</p>