I can't pre-order as I live in Canada, but I will to the minute they're available. I don't consider it sight unseen, as I already own and love an ipod touch, and many ebook stores have already announced ipad apps.
I'm puzzled by all the criticism the ipad is attracting here at mobileread. I intend to buy books from Kobo and other places that let you read your books on multiple devices. I've bought a lot of books for my sony reader - which is a wonderful device. But I didn't realize at the time that I was locking myself in, since the other option (Kindle) wasn't available in Canada at that time. But now in hindsight, I realize I wasn't thinking big enough. The sony is well made and should last a long time, but I wish the sony books were transferable.
Which is why I'm surprised by the negative vibs about the iPad, because it allows books from multiple vendors. For example, the Kobo books for the ipad will be transferable to the Sony reader, ipod touch etc. So why are people saying the ipad locks you in, as an ereader? It seems much more open to other book options & vendors than my sony 505?
