Coming soon...

Just to be clear, we're talking about the base model iPad, which has 16 gigabytes of storage space, and no 3G (cell phone network) capability. That means it can only connect to the Internet via a wireless network connection, or WiFi.

We all purchased our iPads on day one at the Walden Galleria Apple store in Buffalo, and the experience could not have been better. We arrived at the mall at approximately 8:40am. The store scheduled to open at 9:00am, before the rest of the mall (as usual for an Apple store), but already had everything under control. There were two lines, one for those who had reserved units (us), and one for the incredibly enthused, but less foresighted.

We've been waiting more than a month since launch to learn when exactly the iPad will be available. Apple finally provided some details today: The iPad non-3G will be available April 3rd, 2010. The 3G model will be available later in the month.

Since last year, I've used a Sony Reader PRS-600 Touch Edition to read ebooks. I spend a good amount of time on the train each day and an ebook reader is a great way to take a selection of books in a light package.

While I was initially enthusiastic about my Sony, I grew to want something better. I'm looking forward to the Apple iPad as a replacement for my Sony. In this post, I'll mention some of my experiences with the Sony Reader, and how I expect the Apple iPad to compare.

There's no shortage of iPad rumors, speculation, and hype. Our favorite sources have been:

• Engadget
• Gizmodo
• MacRumors.com

But rumors are rumors! Tomorrow, when Apple announces the fabled product, we will all get access to concrete information about the product: its existence, its real name, planned availability, specifications, pricing, etc.

Here at iPad Basics, we love facts, and we're looking to get answers to a variety of questions, including:

We're a couple of guys enthusiastic about Apple's impending announcement of a tablet device.

So what can you expect to find here?