Andy Ihnatko, Chicago Sun-Times: “iPad is Pure Innovation-One of the Best Computers Ever“Star rating equivalent: *****

The good: “It’s a computer that many people have been wanting for years: a slim, ten-hour computer that can hold every document, book, movie, CD, email, picture, or other scrap of data they’re ever likely to want to have at hand; with a huge library of apps that will ultimately allow it to fulfill nearly any function; and which nonetheless covers the dull compulsories of computing (Mail, the web, and Microsoft Office-style apps) so well that there will be many situations in which this 1.5-pound slate can handily take the place of a laptop bag filled with hardware and accessories.”

The bad: “When compared with a netbook on the netbook’s terms, the iPad is a mixed bag. Even the cheapest $499 model is close to twice the cost of a decent netbook. The iPad has a terrific library of software, but a netbook can run most of the same software you’re running on your Windows desktop. And its open file system is reassuring.”

Battery life: “…the iPad has a solid, real-world 10-hour battery…”

The last paragraph (after telling story of turning down chance to be movie critic for a different paper a decade ago): “Hardware like the iPad confirms that I made the right choice.”

iLounge reports that they are hearing rumors about 2 dock connectors. One on the Horizontal bottom and another on the Vertical bottom. This would allow for a more clean look while having the device docked. Of course it wouldn’t be like Apple to have a device that is horizontal at times with a cord dangling on either side.

They have reports that the rear of the device will feature a long stripe down the center which would allow antennas for the various radios to get the best possible reception.

Wi-Fi is almost a 100% certainty at this point. There has been alot of speculation of 3G possibilities. Some say the device will feature an Amazon Kindle style always on connection, and will be paid for by Apple, which in turn will build the cost into the electronic media it will sell on the device. Many people have a negative feeling towards another $60 a month bandwidth bill. With bills for home and cellphones, not too many people would feel the need to buy yet a 3rd data plan. It will be interesting to see how Apple solves that situation.

It will be interesting to see if Apple will allow any type of wireless syncing of music, videos and other content.