Ok, just to kick off, I'm no computer geek. I like what I know and I'm used to and different can be a quantum leap because I only have my own resources and knowledge to fall back on. If something new doesn't work, I wouldn't know how to get it up and running. Basically, I'm your average user. Familiar with Windows and associated programmes. I'm new to Apple, tablets and an OS other than anything offered by Microsoft. So I thought long before investing in this little beauty. It's the best gadget I've ever bought. Set up at home in minutes, so fast, easy to use and simply great fun. This has all the functionality I could wiish for. Email is there in an instant, There's an apps store with something for absolutely anyone or any occasion. There are quality apps to inform or enjoy at the drop of a hat. And the apps are cheap, they're there in a flash and it is just such an easy device to use.

Out of the box, it was 90 % charged, connected immediately to my home wifi and I was happily trying out the embedded apps within a few minutes. Then I was checking out the store and trying out a selection of instructional (books, museum and gallery guides, recipes, maps, photo software) and entertainment ( music, games, films etc ). As a Sky subscriber, there's an app which gives me instant access to hundreds of films and Sky anytime + at no cost. The quality of the graphics is to die for. Crisp, clean and clear. Good sound quality and an equaliser which lets you choose from a vast range of audio settings. Decent bass boost too! The apps I've chosen so far have all been free or a few pence and they all seem to be incredible value. They download in seconds so I can be up and running with something new in minutes. I went for the 32 gb because I wasn't sure if the 16gb version would fill quickly. I have som sizeable apps. Sky go, google earth, other maps and some photo heavy guides. I've only used just over 1 gb and still have over 27 gb free, so there"s tons of room.

On top of that it's a design icon. The build quality is superb. It looks so good and is an absolute joy to hold and work with. I can see that this will become my day to day key piece of kit. I can't believe it's taken me so long, but I'm a convert. I won't be going back to the long slow days of Microsoft booting up and crashing. I just love this device and as an older user, would have no hesitation in telling anyone who's not a great techie to go for this.

Edit to add 26/7/12 I reviewed the iPad just after I bought it. A month or so later just to say it's exceeded my wildest expectations. Camera, video, notes, games, photos, fast browsing...I could go on. It's got the lot and I haven't opened my laptop sinceI got this. Love it and still got more than 25 gb free despite loads of hefty apps. The noveltyhasn't worn off! Go for it!