It seems you either love the iPad or you hate it. Or you’re not paying attention.

Let’s review what the iPad is and the early feedback it’s getting from users. This two-article series will cover the “lovers” first, the “haters” next.

The iPad has been billed by Apple as “the ultimate multimedia device.” It’s bigger than an iPhone, smaller than a notebook computer, and is “all touch” – there is no physical keyboard (you can add one if needed).

In its first day on the market, iPad was purchased by 300,000 users – who downloaded 1 million apps the very same day. Sales haven’t slowed down, either. The iPad was released April 3. After 5 days, 450,000 had been sold. By the April 14, over 500,000 had been sold. As of April 26, Chitika, an online ad firm, estimates that 1 million had been sold thus far. According to Apple, international sales will be delayed because of what they called “high demand” in the US.

So are you wondering if you should run to your Apple store to snap up the iPad – if you can? Let’s take a moment to hear the feedback from users who are loving the new device.

Here’s what users are raving about:

• Affordable Price

Starting at $499 for the 16GB model – that’s a “love.” The final tab? Over $1K, with a case, apps, and warranties, etc. And of course, upgrades!

• A Touchpad Interface

Again, love it! Its extra large screen – 9.6 x 7.5 inches, to be exact – with vivid color can’t be beat. If you’ve ever wished the screen on your iPhone or iPod could be larger, your wish just came true – with some added bonus features.

• Stop Spending Your Life Scrolling!

Tired of those annoyingly long scrolling pages on websites? Just turn the iPad around. It automatically reformats the page from landscape (which is the default on all other computers) to portrait (which is what the vast majority of websites are designed for), so you don’t have to scroll your life away. Love it!

• No More Worrying About a Network With the 3G Model

The iPad base models come with WiFi. Which is great, but you still have to have access to a wireless network. Don’t want to have to worry about that? No problem. It’s a $130 upgrade to get a 3G model – plus a monthly fee, payable to AT&T. That’ll run you either $14.99 for 250 mbs per month or $29.99 for unlimited. Of course, you’ll have to deal with AT&T’s coverage gaps. The good news? Your service plan is “no contract” and you can cancel at any time with no penalty.

• 10-Hour Battery Life

All we can say is… WOW!

• Colors & Graphics

One word: amazing. Combined with the oversized screen, it’s like watching the highest quality flat screen HDTV for your shows, your movies, and your games – you can easily get addicted to the iPad!

• Read Your e-Books in Color

The iPad offers an all-touch e-book reader in brilliant color. Download your books at Apple’s e-bookstore. And turning the pages? Easy – just drag you finger across the screen – in the same motion as you would flick through the pages of the real deal. No need for the bifocals, either – the type is HUGE!

• Apps, Apps, and More Apps

So many apps – so little time! More apps than ever, including access to the Wall Street Journal for free.

• iWork

The touchscreen capabilities make work easy, and working with your hands on the touchscreen can be more intuitive – and easier – than using a mouse.

Sounds good, huh? It is. But you need the full story before you buy. Be sure to read part 2 to get the word from the “haters.” (Or the “strong dislikers,” to be politically correct.)

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