While the iPad is generally seen as a great media device for consumers, I'm going to put forth the argument that it's a fantastic business device.

First and foremost, any IT manager who has had to deal with, um, salespeople, should have some appreciation for the iPad to replace laptops issued to salespeople. Why? Many salespeople only need a few applications - e-mail, word processor and presentation software. Well, those are all available in the iPad, and you get the added benefit that some sales guy won't be responsible for spreading the latest virus at the office because his beer buddy sent him a naughty attachment.

My understanding is that the iPad supports XGA out, so presentations can be easily output to a projector. Moreover, any "application" demos can be simply recorded in XGA resolution using Camtasia. Well, I probably don't need to go further, but there are tons of reasons why removing full-blown laptops from sales types (and executives, for that matter) would result in fewer headaches for IT departments.

As mentioned in a prior post, I also see opportunities in the business intelligence realm. The iPad would be a great mobile dashboard. This area is fertile ground for some innovative developers.