[bazbamduck]

I almost ordered one, and still really want one, but got cold feet when I failed to find evidence of a way to get my own (read: not through Apple's eBook store) eBooks on and off the thing without iTunes - I'm a Linux user.

Unless someone on HN happens to know whether it's possible to use the iPad's WiFi to move data or eBooks in particular?

I thought the iPad's web browser might work, but if Apple decides to restrict its download mechanism or not have the downloaded books show up in the eBook reader, that might be a problem.

I'm probably worrying too much, but I'd hate to end up with a ~$800 device (3G) I can't really use much for the primary purpose for which I wanted it in the first place.

[protomyth]

I think your kinda outa luck with iTunes. It seems iTunes is listed in the requirements. I wonder if iTunes works enough under WINE to use for syncing. It is stated on Apple's website that third-party ePub books could be synced to the iPad.

[bazbamduck]

I don't use it currently, but according to AppDB it has a spotty compatibility history, so I'm not sure.

I'm hesitant to rely on the "iTunes under WINE" method for fear of future updates breaking compatibility. I could dual boot, but that pushes the hassle to reward ratio a little too far for me personally.

I guess I'll take a wait and see on the iPad. Oh, well.