I would disagree.

Other than satisfying a need for possessing Apple's latest shinny object what current need of yours [the editorial 'you'] does the iPad meet, what deficiency does it fill?

If one doesn't know what problem or problems a particular device solves just by looking at the specs then I submit that purchasing one is a purely emotional exercise, which isn't illegal – usually.

There currently are any number of netbooks and tablets of similar size, weight, and screen resolution that also have significantly greater performance, storage, and connectivity options - and for a similar price as well.

Maybe it's just me but I always look as a new product within an existing field and ask, "what problem does this new product solve"?

The only real "problem" so far mentioned here that the iPad uniquely "solves" is to bring Apple coolness to a not-quite-a-netbook device.

This device was designed and conceived by Apple to have one purpose and that purpose is to encourage owners to spend more money on downloads from the iTunes store.

Hey, fair enough, but overly labored contortions being made in order to justify wanting or buying one are, well...

Just buy the damn thing and say, "screw it, I don't care how useless it is, it so freaking cool and owning one makes me happy [for a while]".