[pphilipp]

I now own an iPad... after going through several terrible Android tablets.

At this point in time the iPad has no true competition. This will change of course, but unlike jswinden, I don't foresee Microsoft bringing anything better. It will probably come from companies that truly understand why Apple succeeded where others failed.

I'm not an Apple fanatic, but I have enjoyed their products far more than my many Windows devices.

Here's the true key element in the equation... my aged mother can use an iPad, but she never has been able to use a 'true' computer (and she's tried several times). Microsoft, amongst others, have missed the mark because their focus has been on computer literate folks, thus leaving out a big chunk of potential customers. It appears Apple is reaching everyone (except perhaps the hard core) with an exquisitely simple and functional device.