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1) dropbox
2) don't need flash that often
3) it can multitask as well as I can

It does a some very important things for me better than anything else. It has changed the way I work and do some non work things as well. Really a revolutionary device for me. If I need a computer and I'm not typing a lot I reach for the iPad not a notebook. Interestingly, the multitasking upgrade didn't change much for me. The folders in the new upgrade had more impact.

That makes MM seem pretty interesting. I will check it out. Thanks.

Elements is a great note app that syncs right into Drop Box.
IOS 4.2 does do multitasking (albeit in the apple way)

Like another poster USB is important to me, multitasking not so much (or at all, especially since I do not think any small machines do mutil-tasking). I also think flash is important, just becasue Jobs doesn't like it is not a good enough reason to not have it. While I am aware there may be some workarounds it is just bad form in my opinion. If a web site I want to use uses flash I do not want my PC, Notebook or Tablet blocking it, and I do not care who make the machine.
I just took a look at drop-box and this is not a option since I want to have access to about 500 GB worth of movies and music while traveling. USB support would give me this capability.
Besides I can wait.

Agree with this post... IMHO, there is a kind of Apple arrogance at work here. There is no reason why the Apple world can't get along with Flash. And whoopee, one can finally get the Beatles on iTunes.

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Well, the Beatles comment is certainly telling due to its laser like focus on iPad related issues.

You can get different brand of tablets if you want Flash.

The reviews of the Samsung tablet indicate that Flash hurts performance and battery life.

Maybe Adobe will get it right eventually but until then, Apple is going to avoid it as is their right.

Here's veteran industry analyst Gordon Haff's take on the question:

Cnet News.com: "Can an iPad replace a laptop on a business trip?"

Personal trips - ipad with a bluetooh keyboard and my Sprint Overdrive.

Work trips - MBPx2, iPad, and everything else that fits in the bag.

I just purchased the HP Photosmart Premium (Black Friday $99) to use to print from my Ipad. Works flawlessly, plus the printer itself comes with apps (Delta, Facebook, coloring books, etc) so you can print out directly from the printer without having your computer or Ipad hooked up to it. Now with the printing, I probably won't use my computer at all anymore. Very happy!

Can't see only taking iPad, mostly because I prefer to import my photos every day to my library.

But given the battery life advantage over the MacBook Pro that I have, could be good for using on long flights. There are apps. which allow offline viewing and of I've loaded some movies via Zumocast.

@wco81: FYI, there is the iPad Camera Connection Kit which would let you import photos every day. (Even handles RAW photos and hi-def MJPEG videos!) And although the latest IOS update made it a little wonky in some cases, this adapter can also be used as an interface to plug in your USB headset for Skype calls...

Yes, I know about the kit. I actually would be borrowing the iPad so I wouldn't buy the kit nor would I fill up the iPad since it's not mine.

But even then, there's nothing like Aperture or Lightroom for iPad and I do actually edit each day as I take pictures on the road.

So it is a lot of hassle to take the laptop and assorted gear (including an external hard drive) but I'm just used to importing and editing each day after shooting rather than save all of them and do the work when I get back.

got a new Macbook Air 11.8" and this thing is amazing. I love it. I am going to use this when I travel pretty much exclusively. When you take an iPad, this thing isn't much bigger or heavier and it has a very, very nice keyboard and screen, so the idea of using the iPad doesn't appeal except as a reader, and web browers, and for special apps.

I think many people have more basic needs than ours... and an iPad would be more than sufficient and justified given the size/weight benefit to a traveler. However, I'm firmly in your camp -- which is why, in my case, I brought a laptop and an iPad.

With the iPad, I often found myself running up against "There's *Almost* An App For That..." Syndrome. For example, photographers can use a basic editor like Photogene -- but it isn't going to be anything like a professional tool like Aperture/Lightroom. I think the iPad works well as a "digital photo wallet" for the pros: It lets you backup and view what you shot, but it's not going to replace your normal workflow tools. (On the backup front -- I should point out that Dropbox users can now also do an online backup to their account)

The introduction of the new Macbook Air, I think, gives "power users" a good middle ground between size and functionality. If you are doing professional work while traveling, I think you should at least give it a look if you're seriously considering an iPad.