Got to play with an ipad over a 4 day weekend... I liked it, but I don't think it could replace my 505, maybe my netbook.
*After a 4 hour reading session that went into the night, my eyes were definitely irritated... The technical PDFs looked great, just like my computer -but with proper preprocessing they look just fine on my 505.
*The refresh was certainly quicker, but it has never been an issue with me on my 505. I read at pretty small fonts.
*I found the size awkward, almost out of the question in bed.... I like the paperback size. The ipad reminded me of ordering of a big menu.
... opening up my 505 w/600 light cover in bed on Sunday night was like coming home... Never again, baby
*What I really liked it for was quicker web based reading, like my morning RSS. Really cool. Also held my attention really well when I was slightly antsy or distracted...
*video was also impressive... But then if I have the option -I'd rather be watching a TV or monitor hands free.... Unbeatable as a portable video player in my opinion.
*quick games and apps are fun, addictive little distractions. Keep them away from me
Like all apple devices it does a lot of stuff... Just most of them are done better by other individual gadgets.
505 is way better ereader. MP3 is much better music. Netbook is an actual computer... Maybe with more time I could adopt the ipad over my netbook... But I don't see it ever replacing an eink reader.