Do you need an Ipad? Well, the Ipad is a fantastic device. It is not a Laptop and not a replacement for a PC or MAC - at least for most people. However, if your computer use is limited to Internet browsing, Email, listening to music, watching videos and viewing photos, then this device is perfect. For these activities it just may be better than a Laptop. The Ipad is small and light with a beautiful touchscreen display and a large keyboard. The sound system is very good and earbuds or bluetooth headphones make it even better.

You can purchase the Ipad as a wireless WIFI only device or with the added 3G (no contract AT&T) cell network. Using the latter, allows Internet access when you are not within a WIFI Hotspot zone. There are no wired network LAN connections or USB ports on the Ipad - it must be used over WIFI or 3G.

What can you do with the Ipad? Almost everything you can do with a Laptop. It is a great reading device for books (Ibooks, Amazon Kindle books), Magazines (Zinio) and Newspapers (Press Display). Store and display your photos, play your music and audio books, watch tv, movies and podcasts and make free phone calls with VOIP. You can use Facebook and thousands of other inexpensive applications (apps) to enhance your experience.

There are a few limitations. The Ipad does not currently have native printing - however, this will be added with OS update 4.2, coming in November 2010. In addition, the Ipad does not run Flash enabled applications. This does cause issues with some Internet websites that use Adobe Flash.

Overall, Apple has a winner with the Ipad. If you are looking for a PC laptop or Macbook and don’t need a “full system”, check out the Ipad.