Is the iPad right for you?

Network World - I've had my Apple iPad for about two days now, and when someone discovers I have one, they always ask two questions: "What do you think?" and then, "Can I touch it?" After I let the person try the device and explain what it can and can't do (it won't make toast, in case you're wondering), I then find myself either trying to defend the device or point out its flaws, depending on the predisposed opinions of the person asking me the question.

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Like almost everything Apple makes these days, people have formed an opinion of it before they even touch or try the device, based on countless articles, blog postings or tweets about the device in the months prior to the device being launched.But when someone asks me, "What do you think?" they're also asking, "Should I buy one?" The answer to that is a more difficult question, of course, depends on the type of person you are. So here's a list of questions that you should ask to figure out if an iPad is right for you.

Are you an Apple fanatic?

If so, you already own an iPad, and you're just waiting for the 3G versions to come out later this month. You already have your plan in place to either sell the one you have now on eBay or Craigslist.

Do you dislike Apple and its "closed" platform?

To own an iPad (or iPhone, etc.) means accepting Apple's way of doing things in terms of what you can put on the device (apps, multimedia) and what you can view. For example, no Adobe Flash support in the browser means some Web sites won't display well unless they add support for HTML5, which may or may not happen. If these things bother you, the iPad is not for you.

Do you own a home wireless network?

If not, you'll need to either buy one (along with high-speed Internet service) or wait for the 3G versions to come out. The current iPads only have Wi-Fi connections for Internet access, there's no built-in Ethernet port. It's Wi-Fi or nothing at the moment. (See: Wireless router basics.)

Do you already own an iPod Touch or an iPhone?

This gets a little tricky. On the one hand, iPod Touch and iPhone owners already have experienced the types of applications and features that you can use on the iPad. You may feel you don't need an additional device for those apps. On the other hand, the iPad's larger screen makes for more visually appealing apps and scenarios. Sure, you can watch videos on an iPod Touch and iPhone, but watching with multiple people becomes hard to do. Several people can watch videos on a single iPad without invading their personal space.

Originally published on www.networkworld.com. Click here to read the original story.