Does everyone here forget so quickly? Back in 1998, Apple introduced the iMac --
without a 3 1/2" Floppy Drive. The pundits and naysayers all shouted that they HAD TO HAVE THAT!
Of course, now there is hardly any use for such a thing. That's what the USB/memorycard slot discussion is. The iPad (and future Mac products, I'm sure) will be migrating to a nearly completely wireless connectivity. The iPad has 802.11 b/g/n connectivity. The 802.11n standard allows for up to 600 Mb/sec transmission, and a transmission range of nearly 250 feet indoors (over 800 feet outdoors).
With that sort of data transfer and distance, there's no need or requirement for a USB -- just connect to the wireless network and go. Of course, not many people have 802.11n systems yet. So what? And given that the iPad is not intended to replace your laptop/desktop system, it makes sense. The wireless networking capability allows the use of memory, data and functionality from the rest of the network, in a lightweight, easy-to-use, fast and efficient handheld device that is big enough for watching movies and reading books, but not as heavy and awkward as carrying around a full-sized laptop.
Don't forget that in '98, the iMac was also the first computer to use
only USB ports for connectivity, less than two years after the USB standard was implemented. Now Apple is stepping outside the traditional "comfort zone" and moving beyond the traditional standard.
Don't think of the iPad in comparison to netbooks, laptops or e-ink readers, because that's the wrong idea. This is the first of the next generation of networked devices.
As for no multitasking -- who says that isn't in the future (iPhone OS 4.0?).
As for the camera -- how many generations did it take to get one put into the iPod? Who says there aren't plans to put one in the iPad v.2 that will most likely be released within a year?
Keyboard? Ever heard of Bluetooth?
Price? $500 for a tablet with wireless 802.11n, multitouch capacitive 10" screen, LCD IPS, 0.5" thick, less than 2 lbs, with a stable and well-tested OS that's fast, efficient and responsive, and over 10 hrs of battery life? Are you kidding me?
