Apple has released the Ipad and they are now readily available for order at the Apple stores. In a recent article on yahoo a $499 Ipad turned into a $1170 purchase after selecting a couple upgrades and buying accessories. Is $1170 less than your average well appointed PC based Laptop computer? Not in my world. The most recent laptop I purchased was $599 + tax, California disposal fees, and was very well appointed. Do I fear the Ipad will overtake the laptop? No. Laptops are never a desktop replacement. Neither are Ipads. Ipads may replace the laptop as the mobile device of choice. Ipad, and laptops will never be able to compete in certain key areas with desktops. Primarily performance.