What is the IPad Exactly?

Here's the best explanation I've heard recently, culled from  THE BEAT:

So, I agree with a comic book industry executive who, during our discussion of the business over drinks recently said, “The iPad is the new newsstand.” In its day, the newsstand serviced millions and millions of readers. It fueled the fire of reading. Adding another avenue that will get books into the hands of people and turning them into readers.

 And as I recall, there were a lot of pulp magazines sold at the local newsstand....hmmmmm.