What's the big deal? It's just a big iPod Touch. This may be true, but the thing that people seem to be missing about the iPad is the effect it will have on the industry. Very much the same way the iPhone did. People are talking about eBooks.  Although eBooks on the device by know means look to be revolutionary, it does seem as though it will do it, and do it well.  The iPad however is already making waves in the eBook industry forcing established companies such as Amazon to change things.  Right now it's just a price war but who knows what it will turn into.
As a kid I used to collect comics.  For whatever reason I never really read them.  Recently though I've picked up a few digital comics for the iPhone and have actually enjoyed it more then I thought I would.  This makes me think that I may actually get into them when they are optimized for the bigger device.  This is the one thing I've heard more then anything else on the interwebs, even more then complaints.  How amazing digital comics will be.  It's yet to be seen but I think there is a very good possibility that comics on the iPad could revolutionize things a bit.
As an IT professional I make my living helping those having trouble with technology.  I see that about 80% of the computer population use their machines for two things.  Internet and word processing.  Guess what, the iPad does both.  The iPhone did more to move the cell phone market forward then any device before it.  Even with the initial limited capabilites.(before the app store)  Will the iPad do the same in it's respective category, whatever that category may be.
So here is the million dollar question.  Just because it's been done a certain way historically doesn't means it's the right way.  The computer gives you limitless possibilities and options, but 9 times out of 10 do you need that extra "stuff".  Will the iPad revolutionize the netbook/tablet market?  Will it change the way we read books and comics?  Or maybe, instead of changing the game it will change the player.