Five Reasons The iPad AmazesFive Reasons The iPad Amazes

Despite its shortcomings, the iPad is still a really interesting and amazing piece of technology. Here are five things about the iPad that make it the game-changer that it is.1. Taking Touch to New Levels - The iPad's touch user interface is simply unequalled in comparison to previous tablet-style computing devices. I used the old Windows XP Tablet PCs extensively. The use of the active digitizer (pen) was a difficult thing to master when all you wanted to do was reach out and touch the screen. The iPad takes that vision and makes it a reality in a way no other manufacturer has been able to replicate yet. Using your fingers on the display to interact with the operating system feels natural and immediately comfortable.

2. Its Media Powers Are Real - For casual consumption of media -- music, movies, books, games -- there really isn't a more comfortable form factor to use. The iPad's display, small size and portability make it the perfect travel companion. I foresee that I'll use it often when on the road for watching movies. Perfect for an airplane, bus, train or long car ride (during which you are a passenger).

3. Speed Racer! - Whatever sort of pixie dust it is that Apple sprinkled into the iPad's 1GHz A4 processor, it works. The iPad is one of the fastest and most responsive computing devices I have ever used. Even smartphones -- such as the HTC Nexus One and HD2 -- don't come close to performing as fast as the iPad, and both have 1GHs SnapDragon processors under the hood. Apple got the engine of this device right.

4. Battery Life - The iPad's battery life is outstanding. I have yet to charge it. The device arrived with a 95% charge, and aside from an initial sync, I have yet to plug it in for more juice. It can work for a long, hard day before its power supply needs to be replenished. Need to take notes at meetings all day? Leave the laptop behind and bring the iPad instead.

5. Upgradability - We all know that Apple plans to provide a sneak peak of iPhone OS 4.0 this week. The iPad will surely benefit from iPhone OS 4.0 and future updates to the core iPhone operating system. This gives me hope that the iPad will continue to gain capabilities and features over time. Multitasking? Better browser behavior? Bring it on!