I'm the only SQL Server DBA for a medium sized company. I'm able to work from home two days a week with the aid of a laptop and a Sprint data card since my home is located in an area without access to broadband. I'm also a single parent, which means that I am the only person available to drive my son to and from his various events.

This can make things a bit dicey when there are after-hours issues. In order to troubleshoot an issue if I'm at some sporting event or practice, I have to have the laptop with me, (which I invariably do) then crawl into the backseat of my car where I wait 20 minutes at least for the laptop to boot, the wireless card to connect and then make my connection to our VPN.

An iPad would not have the Windows boot-up issue, and it would already be connected (I am assuming this iPad will be the 3G model, not the wireless-only model, but if not, I suppose I could connect via my Virgin Mobile MyFi, provided I have it with me) and therefore, I would be able to check server statuses much more quickly and without having to sit in the backseat just to have enough room to open the laptop. An iPad would also be a benefit when I am at home since the 20 minute boot up and connection process for my work laptop applies regardless. I would be able to much more quickly check on issues. The large screen would also help preserve my eyesight.

If, for some reason, after quickly and efficiently checking on my servers via the iPad, I discovered that it is necessary to log on to a server with the work laptop, I could play Scramble read SQL Server books or check SQLServerCentral.com on the iPad while I wait for the laptop to boot up and get connected.

As a last issue, my job supplies me with a Blackberry so I can check my emails, but the Blackberry, I am sorry to say, was designed by people who hate end users. I use an iPhone personally, so I know the exactly why the Blackberry sucks (sorry) and the iPhone does not, as a device for sending and receiving emails and texts. If I had this iPad, I could set up email on it and have a reasonable shot at replying to work emails, texting, and otherwise checking on Server alerts without the need to express the vast depths of my frustration with the Blackberry UI.