Bit the bullet, bought the iPad, estimated 7-10 days on the web site is actually 19 days according to the order processing software.  Figures.

On a positive note, I went to the doctor today, he said that I am indeed dying but so is everyone else, and it probably won’t be from the problem I went to see him about in my case.  He couldn’t be more specific and recommended that I see an actuary if I wanted a better estimate.  He did say that he has the iPad and really likes it.  He wished that it had a camera and a phone.  I wish it had an earlier ship date.