As a rule Apple computer users are hardcore fans and they might be a tough audience but they are usually ready to try out the latest Apple offerings. The iPad was no exception and it received the approval of the die hard Apple fans immediately. However, the appeal of this device is not limited to users already sold on Apple products but instead is appealing to almost every age group and gender.

Apple spared no expense advertising their latest product and its release was surrounded by a lot of media hype. However, media hype only goes so far and as soon as it hit the stores the real test began, the users put it through its paces. Instead of losing popularity this tiny bundle of connectivity gained popularity and starting hitting Christmas wish lists the world over.

Before giving an iPad as a gift it should be understood that although it is amazing and can do many things this is not a computer. Although this device features web browsing, gaming, iBook applications and documents as well as such sites as Netflix and Youtube it is instead a portable means of staying connected with a lot of entertaining possibilities. The iPad is craze is growing among people who formerly found no use for even the most feature rich Netbook.

Even the more mature and usually more conservative groups such as the mature users find this tiny marvel of technology by Apple appealing. Part of this almost universal appeal is the multitude of applications available for the iPad. Of course many cite the easy and intuitive controls built into the iPad as the reason they put it at the top of their Christmas wish list.

The Christmas season presents almost unlimited choices for the gift giver and many of them would be appreciated by the recipient. However for the discerning gift giver there are few that are as universally appealing as the unexpectedly hot iPad. The perfect gift may be an impossible dream but the new Apple iPad comes very close.