January 2010 opened up yet another portal for a revolutionary technological up-gradation, courtesy Apple. Its new tablet PC release has surely stirred up the market, nabbing almost everyone’s attention instantly.

But a month after its launch – after paying due consideration to a bunch of pros and cons – critics and supporters have given it a somewhat lukewarm review. So, amidst all the confusion and misleading recommendations, where do you go?

Here, we have tried to post an apt solution for the common buyer, who is surely smitten by the iPad’s initial appeal, but is too jittery about the total package’s feasibility. We have segregated 5 top reasons why to buy, or why not to buy an iPad.

Reasons to go for it: -

1. The main concern for any consumer would be the price of the product that he is willing to buy. Price and demand are co-related according to economic laws, after all. At an affordable starting range of $499 and stretching up to $829, it isn’t too heavy on the pocket.

2. Provisions for 3G support are present in the top model, where the connectivity is being provided by AT&T at a nominal prepaid rate of $30 across the US of A. Along with 3G, Wi-Fi connectivity is also a supplement with every iPad, ensuring easy click and connect.

3. It acts as a robust media player, which caters to all your movie and music needs. To add to it, a countless amount of snaps and pictures could easily be stored and viewed on the iPad too.

4. Running on a 1 GHz Apple processor and using the iPhone 3.2 OS as its base for functionality, the iPad guarantees much faster booting and performance throughout as compared to other portable media players or tablets.

5. The memory space starts from a commendable 16 GB and is expandable up to 64 GB (for the high-end model), indicating ample storage space.

Reasons to drop it: -

1. Unlike the iPhone or the iTouch, this new “i” gadget won’t fit into your pockets, meaning it will be hard for you to carry it around without stuffing it in a suitable case or bag.

2. There are no camera provisions. Hence, it is impossible to click a photograph with your friends and family without attaching an external Camera Kit, which comes for an added cost.

3. Without any CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drive, it becomes very hard to record a disk or play your favorite DVD on the iPad.

4. The iPad also has no USB ports to connect to. This is a heavy disadvantage as data transfer inflow and outflow becomes totally restricted, without connecting an external USB Dock.

5. The MacBook is a healthier option if you intend to buy a sleek, portable PC. With a 2.26 GHz Intel processor, 2 GB DDR3 RAM & a 250 GB HD, it seems legitimately priced at $999 compared to the top iPad labeled at $829.

So, now you face the good and evil sides of the iPad. To buy or not to buy, that is the question. The answer simply lies in your own needs, preferences and budget.