By now you've probably heard of a little device that's about to make it's debut on April 3rd, a tablet computer from Apple called the iPad. If you're one of the estimated several hundred thousand people who pre-ordered an iPad, then you're new iPad is probably already on it's way. If you're already using your iPad, you may be reading this on it right now. If you're not one of the many who pre-ordered an iPad, however, you may be one of those who are considering whether they should buy one or not. If you're on the fence about whether you should take the plunge, and make the investment, there are some things you should know first that will help you to decide whether or not the iPad is right for you.

The iPad is a new tablet computer from Apple that runs on a version of the popular iPhone operating system (OS) which is found on Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices. It comes in a Wi-Fi only model which debuts on April 3rd, and a Wi-Fi+3G model which is expected to be available later in the month. Both models come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB versions with the Wi-Fi only models selling for $499, $599, and $699 respectively. The Wi-Fi+3G models sell for $629, $729, and $829 for the 16GB-64GB versions, and allow you to purchase an optional pay-as-you-go 3G data plan from AT&T for an additional $15 or $30 per month, depending on the data usage you think you'll require when you're not using your iPad in a setting where Wi-Fi is available.

No matter which iPad you choose, you'll have access to Apple's iTunes store for music, movies, television shows, and podcasts. Apple's new iBooks store, which features thousands of electronic books for purchase, will also be available, and Apple's App store, featuring thousands of apps already available for iPhone and iPod touch customers, as well as the thousands of apps designed specifically for the iPad, which are expected to be available on the day of the device's launch, will be available as well.

Though the iPad is a fast and capable tablet computer, if you're a power user and demand a lot from your PC, then the iPad may not be right for you. If you're a casual computer user, and don't require the hardware demands of a power user's PC, then you may find the iPad to be right up your alley.

The small tablet excels at common everyday tasks, such as checking e-mails, listening to music, watching your favorite movies or television episodes, viewing and sharing photos, reading e-books and documents, creating simple documents, playing games, and browsing the Web. If you're someone, on the other hand, who needs to deal with editing or creating large video, audio, or graphics files, large spreadsheets, or other complicated documents, then you may find the iPad lacking in several areas. In its current configuration, the iPad lacks the ability to deal with certain kinds of heavy workloads, not having sufficient storage and other features to handle such jobs.

Even for the casual user, there are some things to be aware of before making a decision. For one, the iPad doesn't come with a built-in webcam, a huge mistake, in my opinion, one that could have put the iPad over the top, and made it a must buy item. If you like to video chat with your family and friends over Skype, for example, you won't be able to with the iPad. Additionally, if you like to keep several applications open at a time, so you can move back and forth between them easily, the iPad doesn't allow you to multitask. You'll have to get used to opening and closing different applications as you need to do different things. Another sticking point is the iPad's lack of Flash support. If you plan on using the device to do a lot of Web browsing, there are many sites you will have trouble fully viewing. Video playback is mostly where the lack of Flash becomes a problem, but many sites are currently looking at ways to adopt HTML 5 as a way to get around the problem. Webcams, lack of Flash support, and multitasking won't necessarily be dealbreakers for most, but depending on how you plan to use the iPad, they are important to consider.

For business users who may be hoping to leave their laptops behind, and use the iPad to do all of their work, depending on the business you're in, you may find that easier said than done. With the thousands of apps available in the App store, many will be able to configure their devices to suit their needs well enough that they may be able to do most of the work they need to without any worries. If, however, you need a webcam for webconferencing, do a lot of typing during the course of a day, need added storage, or the ability to connect to common peripherals via USB, you may find your needs would be better met by purchasing a small netbook instead. As it is currently configured, the iPad only stores 64GB worth of content, with no ability to upgrade its storage space, not even by way of a standard SD card. 64GB may seem like a lot to some, but by the time you've added all of your favorite media files and apps, that space will disappear quickly if not managed closely. For the 16GB and 32GB versions of the iPad, this could be a more noticeable problem.

So, what does it all mean? Should you buy an iPad, or stick with a netbook or laptop for computing on the go? There's no simple answer to that question. It's a personal choice, but you should strongly consider how you plan to use a device such as the iPad before jumping in completely, so you won't be disappointed. Can the iPad replace a laptop or a netbook? No, but is that what you're wanting it to do? If so, then you might find the iPad unable to do some of the things you'll need to do on a daily basis. If you're already an owner of a netbook and e-reader, the same could also be said. Do your netbook and e-reader already provide you with all of the features you need while on the go, such as looking to do some casual computing, or looking to get in some reading while relaxing? If so, that's another point to consider. Do you really need an iPad, or do you just want an iPad? Once again, it's decision time.

For those who don't already have netbooks, e-readers, or smartphones that can handle many of the same tasks the iPad can handle, the iPad may be right for you after all. I also believe this is the core market the iPad is designed for, and this is where its strengths lie. By purchasing one device, you get the benefit of having all of the features that you would have if you had to buy a number of devices separately, all in one slim, portable package. If you also don't plan on trying to use it for heavy computing, but instead keep it as a casual use machine that moves around with you easily, you probably will enjoy the iPad quite a bit. The main thing is not to be drawn in by all of the hype. Take a step back, consider the price of the model you are interested in, and look at all of the devices you currently own. Ask yourself if the iPad would still be beneficial to you, or if buying separate devices would be more cost effective, making sure that whatever choice you make you'll be able to accomplish all of the things you plan to do with your new portable machine.

Update - 4/8/2010: During its preview of the new iPhone OS 4 software, Apple addressed the issue of multitasking. The new feature will be appearing on the iPhone 3GS and 3rd generation iPod touch devices this summer, as well as the iPad this Fall.