My Android phone does all that and a whole lot more :)

AND it fits in my pocket AND I can make phone calls with it AND it is my SatNAV - one gadget, does it all.

There are very few alternatives to the iPad right now. Some got canceled (Microsoft Courier) or pushed back (HP Slate) while some existing products like the Joojoo offer less for almost the same price. People were quick to dismiss the iPad as a useless, oversized iPod... yet they've sold 1 million units in the US.

@Tim: Your Android phone does not provide you with a large, tablet-size touch screen (neither does my iPhone).

Very true ... but it fits in my pocket for when I'm out and about and my laptop does more than the iPad could ever do for when I'm at home.

The iPad is pointless technology for the sake of it in my opinion. It falls short on capabilities in the home and office and is too big to carry around when 'on the road'.

I dont get it!

I can't wait to think of a pointless gadget that will make me millions.

Seriously, I totally understand where you're coming from and won't pretend tablet devices are useful to everyone - but they obviously are to a large number of people.

Agreed :)

I don't know there is such a thing.  The iPad (as I see it) is a media consumption device.  It's built to handle exactly what you are looking for. 

I agree with Tim and Benoit, I believe it is a useless toy, but for what it does there is nothing better I think.