Why Is Every Non-geek In My Family in a Froth About the iPad?

[Xiahou]

It's a product without a market.

I agree. It's too big to be truly portable, and too limited to be a PC replacement. If I were in the market for such a device, why wouldn't I buy an Iphone/Ipod instead?

They're much cheaper, more portable and do a lot of the same things.

As for use as an e-reader, something like Kindle with its electronic ink type display is much easier on the eyes for extended reading.