While most commentators see the iPad as an oversized iPhone, it’s really a question of whether people will accept it as a suitable replacement for netbooks (“they’re just cheap laptops,” said Steve Jobs).

I think this is really a software issue. If you compare the specs of any iPod to competing mp3 players in the same price range, the iPod loses on all counts. But once you hold the iPod in your hands and use it, you’ll see why it’s a best seller: its simple, intuitive software wins over users. And without good touchscreen software, the iPhone and iPod Touch would never have gotten this far.

As Apple CEO Steve Jobs said, the iPad is intended as a device between the smartphone and the laptop. The iPad copies the basic user interface and physical design of the iPhone, but are there significant differences beyond 9.7? screen and a fast processor designed by Apple. Apps on the iPad are much more like computer software. Its Photos app, for example, is more like iPhoto on a Mac than the Photos app on an iPhone. Most of the core iPhone apps have been rewritten and even run all 140,000 current iPhone apps.

While we haven’t seen the promised music and video streaming services, Jobs showed off his e-book reading app with a built-in online bookstore.

Visually, it looks much better than Amazon’s Kindle, but it leaves a lot to be desired. Representatives from the New York Times showed off their digital newspaper, which looked much better than the Kindle version. And iPad’s touchscreen software lets you turn pages with a gesture.

Compared to Kindle, it lacks functionality and has a much smaller catalog. Also, a backlit LCD screen can be straining on the eyes, compared to the Kindle class. This shouldn’t surprise us, since Jobs is quoted as saying that “no one reads anymore.” A reflection of Apple’s concern for readers?

On the positive side:

• looks awesome
• feels comfortable and solid to hold
• it has all that cool software built in
• incredibly low price (for an Apple product)
• 10 hours of battery life
• will use iPhone OS

On the negative side:

• without multitasking:

While we can expect some limitations here, it’s really all about the software.

The fast processor combined with flash storage launches and closes any app in no time. This reduces the need to run apps in the background. It raises some concerns. For example: Can we chat on Skype while browsing? And will we be able to receive Skype calls on the same device? The iPhone certainly handles

• no webcam

The iPad SDK 3.2 documentation mentions a camera and there are rumors that the iPod Touch will get the camera in June. Apple apparently plans to delay some of the key features, forcing buyers to reach into their pockets again later.

• No flash support

Flash will find itself in strong competition with HTML 5 over time. TestTube and Google’s Chrome experiments are proof of that. Anyone familiar with Flash can tell you that he’s a dog that hasn’t kept up with modern computers.

On the other hand, we haven’t gotten there yet and Flash today is too popular to be ignored like that. This will greatly cripple the browsing experience, not to mention all the great Flash games we’ll be missing out on.

• no USB ports, no SD slot
• iPad 3G plan provider in the US is AT&T, very unpopular
• will use iPhone OS

The iPad is much more than a great iPod Touch or iPhone, even if it looks like it. But the question remains, will that be enough for buyers to accept it and make it a part of their daily lives?

This device will find some niche uses. If you’re looking for productivity, you’re better off sticking with your touchscreen laptop. But if you’re a casual user looking for active or passive entertainment on the go, the iPad might be just the thing for you. Surfing the web on the couch, watching videos on public transportation, and browsing e-recipes in the kitchen are just a few of the uses that come to mind.

As with any other Apple product, there will certainly be no shortage of people lining up to buy it.

While the iPhone brought us revolutionary touchscreen software, this device still needs something cooler than a pretty cover to justify calling it “magical” or “revolutionary.” But until we get our hands on one and see it in action, it’s too early to judge.

However, one thing we can all be sure of:

This will be the most impressive bathroom web browsing gadget. Ever.