The iPad is the first piece of technology I've ever used that felt like it fell off of a spaceship.

I haven't had the pleasure of actually trying one yet, but it's one of those things that, as soon as I saw it, I could see all sorts of uses in my life. Except. For a touch-typist with (clumsy) fat fingers, I just don't see how I can type into it in any way that would not leave me wanting to throw it through the nearest window. But maybe with a docking station for desk use ...

I am resolved not to touch one, because I AM an Apple fanboi and if I ever spent even one second playing with one I would Have To Have It.

I've played around with one for a bit, and don't really see the point, though I'm not an Apple user.

I've got a smartphone, so I already have the Internet within arms reach every minute all day long if I want. Lately though I try to switch off all my devices for a while in the evening. I don't think so much Internet is good for me, I'm too addictive.

I just don't get it. Not the Apple part but the form factor part. It's either a really big phone or a laptop that doesn't hold itself up. I just can't see too many situations where I'd need such a device.

Yeah, a co-worker has one, and both times I tried it I said, "This would be cool if it was small enough to carry in my pocket Oh, wait..."

(and ironically, I'm typing this while standing on a crowded train.)

Actually, no, I won't. I refuse to have any kind of computing experience by peering at touchscreens. I hate it when people put a single finger print on my monitor, let alone a touchscreen covered in skin oil and prints. The future is what you make it, and I don't see these in mine. Laptops forever.

Some things about it seem so easy and accessible, I can see where people love them. The keyboard function is infuriating and useless for anyone who touchtypes though - I would think.

Maybe soon they'll have slide out keyboards like on some phones?

I actually have trouble getting touchscreens to recognize my touch, which is getting more frustrating with every advance of touchscreens into the mainstream of technology.

At the check-out counter, I have to use a pen or a coin on the screen. Last time I bought a train ticket at an unmanned station, I almost missed my train because the touchscreen only sporadically accepted my input. In the precious few minutes before the train's arrival, I had to get a by-stander to push the screen-buttons for me.

I'm not sure the iPad is for me, though I'd gladly try it.

[Elsa is a cyborg. Pass it on.]

I will probably get one soon. I think the "killer app" for me is if it can eliminate my need for printed documents at work. Reading a long PDF document on the iPad seems do-able and the portable is great too.

[Elsa is a cyborg. Pass it on.]

Oh. My.

My "parents" never told me.

That would actually explain a lot, including my Terminator-style head tilt when I encounter some novel, perplexing human-emotion-thing.

It's one of those things you didn't realize you needed until you own it. Like cell phones 4 days now, and it's indispensable.