I recently picked up the Apple iPad to better incorporate it into my portfolio of projects that I'm working on. Here's a quick note on what I thought.

My first impression was that it's a rather lightweight, portable internet device. At 1.5 lbs, its quite light. I like the ability to take this large touchscreen device anywhere. It has great battery life (10 hours), and the screen resolution is crisp and bright. Since this is a touchscreen device, it's very different interacting without a keyboard and mouse combo. Swipes and different gestures with the multi-touch screen translates to a variety different actions. Very easy to understand. The Apple UI is very intuitive and easy to use. If you've every used an iPod Touch or iPhone, it's essentially the same except on a larger screen. (Going back to using an iPod touch after using the iPad feels restrictive.)

The poor ergonomics of the device is where I have to say is very difficult to deal with. With a traditional laptop, the screen is already propped up for optimum viewing. Your wrists are resting on the keyboard, and it isn't a strain to spend countless hours typing away or surfing. The device is fit for the person. With that said, the iPad is 180 degrees opposite of that. Without a stand, the iPad has to be held in one hand, and interacted with your other hand. I can't see spending more than 5-10 minutes holding the iPad in one hand while trying to type with the other. The other option is resting it on your lap, which I've tried to do, and it ends up being close to your stomach so you have to hunch over to try and type which becomes very uncomfortable. It looks like a stand/case is required.

Despite my initial impressions of its ergonomics, I really think its a very intuitive, user-friendly device. Even though it's sometimes frustrating not to be able to access Flash content, there are other ways to experience the internet without it. I don't see myself using it to program software on either, but rather I see it as an end-user device to deliver content to. Can't wait to start writing apps tailored to this device.

Is it the best way to experience the web? Well, I'd say its definitely different. Overall, I'd give the Apple iPad an 7.5/10.