I like the iPad for watching netflix, surfing the net, listening to my music. It's light, it's practical, it's handy, much more so than a netbook I find.
Having said that, a netbook is much more capable, so if you don't already have a computer, get a netbook. If you have a computer, get an iPad.
If you want a dedicated video game machine, get a 3DS (imho).
@superchunk. I agree with almost all your points, except I don't remember word processing to be very convenient on the iPad even with keyboard synching. If he doesn't need to do word processing, then that's all good. Also, viewing online pdfs should be a synch, but don't expect to easily sync up your work files with your iPad. I found transferring files to my iPad to be a complete hassle (had to use e-mails)... Maybe other tablets do that better, idk.
