On the brink of buying an iPad

I think I may cave in. After scoffing at the idea of an iPad, today's podcast sold me on Apple's tablet. At first I thought $500 was an absurd amount for a tablet. But now that I've read all the reviews and listened to first-hand accounts of people with iPads — I think this is the "ultraportable Mac" that I've been looking for.

My goal is to turn the iPad into a MacBook Air-like computer. Whether or not that's possible, I don't know. What I don't want is a novelty item. I want something I can use at home while watching TV, yet something that I can take with me on trips to stay connected. Something I can use to file a story, yet something I can kick back with and play a few games on. Most importantly, I want something that's better than a netbook.

So this is where I stand. Tomorrow is the NYC Marathon lottery. If I get accepted, no iPad. If I don't get accepted, I'll buy an iPad.