When you see these apps in motion–mind you, these are just some of the simplest apps you’ll find–you begin to get an idea why the iPad will be very different than computing experiences you’ve had before. There’s a big difference between clicking on cards in Solitaire and moving them around with your fingers, for example. And note the drawing app, and how clumsy the demo is–because the user is on the emulator and is using a mouse. With your fingers, the drawing will be a lot more natural. Also note the OS features, including the use of cover flow and side-to-side pans–not to mention simply very nice layout & design features.

A lot of examples we’re seeing show that one or two basic levels or features come “unlocked,” allowing for free demos to be downloaded so you can get an idea of what the app is like before plunking down whatever the app will cost you to unlock the rest.

Interestingly, the developers seem to be aiming for higher price points; a lot of apps appear to be at the $9.99 price point set by Apple’s iWork apps, without giving that level of actual productivity, as if the developers want to push the envelope and see how much people will pay. I have a feeling that we’ll see a repeat of what we saw with the iPhone–a lot of pricier apps at first which will, in time, get marked down as competition and customer balking force them to.

Side note: Dan Lyons (“Fake Steve Jobs”) has written an article on the iPad for Newsweek. Despite his initial negative reaction after (the real) Jobs’ introduction, his mind changed after actually using one and later consideration of what the product will bring, despite all misgivings about the closed system.