Want to buy the iPad? Read This First...

So, you're on the cutting edge and want to buy an iPad? You are making a great (and cool) choice! The Apple iPad has lots of great specifications and usability features, sure to make it a part of your everyday life.

Where Can I Buy the Apple iPad?

Only buy from reputable sources.

The Apple iPad is available from the main Apple.com website, plus other certified Apple hardware and software vendors.

It's important to keep in mind that Apple does not allow other vendors to sell their computers, iPods and the iPad at reduced prices. If you find an iPad for less than retail value, it is either not from a reputable source, or it is used and/or refurbished.

However, iPads start out at extremely affordable prices, so buying one used (especially for a true Mac lover) is not a necessity in order to stay on the cutting edge. For less than the price of budget laptops, you can have an iPad on your coffee table. The iPad will be your new morning newspaper and evening book reader. You are going to absolutely love it.

Do I Need to Include 3G Service?

Great Question!

The 3G model offers nearly on-demand access to the cellular phone networks when you are out of range of regular Wi-Fi. In the United States, that access could cost you up to $20-$50 a month, depending on who you use and what your data-transfer plan is. There is speculation that Apple will be providing an on-demandcellular connection service without any subscrptions necessary, which basically means you will pay as you go.

I Have a Mac Computer, Do I Need the iPad?

Keep in mind that the iPad is NOT like the Macbook, Macbook Pro or the Mac Desktop.

In fact, the iPad is much more like a large iPod Touch. All of your iPod/iPhone games and applications will still work and the interface will seem familiar. But this is not to say that the iPad can't be used for more than just music and movies.

The iPad is capable of email and running iWork. (Cool Nugget: The entire iWork software suite has been completely redesigned to work with the iPad's interface and hardware)

All in all, the iPad is a coffee table media player. It will not replace a laptop computer, nor was it meant to. It was designed to provide an easy portal to check your email, listen to music, watch videos, surf the web, read books and read the morning newspaper while sitting on your couch sipping a cup of coffee.