It's not itunes that will allow malware, it's the web browser. Apple is not imune to malware. It's because by far the majority of malware authors want the biggest bang for the bucks, so they target Windows. As the iPad market grows, so will the threat.

I agree about the cool factor of the iPad. It's impressive. But I'll never install iTunes on my Windows PC, so the iPad doesn't have much future in my home.

>There's joy and hurt in being so closely tied to Apple. In this case it's a benefit: unless you jailbreak, it seems most unlikely that a hacker can sneak malware past Apple's intensive examination before apps are accepted into iTunes. Most of the hacks affecting iPad seem to be spoof/phishing emails to convince people to hand over passwords or download "iOS updates" that install malware on the Windows PC, not the iPad. I still have very smart associates who use Macs and never have had a virus scanner because basic internet hygiene is all they say they need if you stick with Apple.
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>FWIW I've been checking out the 3G iPad. I was prepared to be cynical about the fanboy/marketing issues, but it's a nice device that people enjoy holding. Even today, if you use it in public people want to peer over your shoulder to see if you've got some cool new app or whatever. Drop it on its stand/bluetooth keyboard and it's a workstation. Apart from the shorter battery life and radiation issues with the 3G variant, I can't find much wrong with it. I agree with MB that competitors (IOW Android manufacturers since everybody else has abandoned ship) will need something very special and/or a serious price advantage to compete. I guess it'll be price since you can buy Android pads devices out of China for <$200 (but insist on a capacitive multi-touch screen: if you don't ask, you be sent a disappointing resistive version).