Picked up an iPad on my last US trip. Love it. Much more than a fancy PDF viewer (although it does this very well). Quite easy to waste plenty of time downloading not-so-ncecessary apps/games for it too. I just like the fact that everything seems to work on it first time (and quickly).
Fingerprints on the screen was my only grudge at first...but then bought a 45 AED matt protector/screen from Dubai Mall. Problem solved.
Battery life is fantastic also. Was thinking about waiting it out until the Gen 2 but figured a USB plus camera wasn't so necessary.
I don't find the size/weight a problem. Doesn't take up much space in flightbag.
CP