I'm not sure that the iPad is unbeatable (and in the long run what is, really), but in my opinion it is and will continue to be extremely successful for one mai

I'm not sure that the iPad is unbeatable (and in the long run what is, really), but in my opinion it is and will continue to be extremely successful for one main reason. (Most) people don't want a computer. They want something to give them access to shop online or to keep in touch with friends, to watch videos or to play games and at the moment the iPad provides the easiest, most hassle free way to achieve that. No A-V, easy updates, no worries about drivers or compatibility and it's relatively cheap. It's also very easy to use. As an anecdotal point I've recently introduced my mother who's in her sixties and father-in-law who's in his eighties to iPads and they've both been able to use them easily and without a lot of the questions and problems that technologists learn to dread when they're providing family IT support. The iPad isn't likely to replace laptops or desktops for IT professionals any time soon, but I think that for a lot of people it does what they want in an easier more intuitive way.