Now that the decibel level has finally diminished, it's time to take a hard look at Apple Inc.'s latest attempt to influence the direction of consumer electronics and, to a large extent, the way we live: the iPad.

We offer a range of views on whether the iPad will become the "next big thing" in consumer electronics or the next Apple Newton, a heavily hyped deviced that bombed with consumers.

We hope readers will join the conversation in the forum area at the bottom of this article. One thing we'd like to know is: How many of you will actually purchase an iPad?

The combatants:

Nic Mokhoff

10 reasons why I like the iPad

Allan Yogasingam

The iPad falls short, way short

Dylan McGrath

All hail, the mighty iPad

Scott Stropkay

The Apple iPad: Your future third device?

Don Scansen

Credit where credit is due