The iPad is a piece of junk.

The iPad is a piece of junk. If you're going to go with a tablet pc then go with something like the Archos 9:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5688196&CatId=228

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTo2N-BuaQw

If you don't get a tablet, then go with either a netbook or notebook. I personally would go with a notebook will a decent amount of power for both office work and gaming. I'd still get a netbook over a tablet though.

Speaking to you as a college student, if you're planning to take notes in class with it then you're definitely going to want a keyboard.

i use an hp mini 311 - with

i use an hp mini 311 - with ion, (hackable from ION LE to ION).. i can watch full HD movies with no problem using coreAVC (only).. its not free but very cheap...

re comfort: the worst part is the touchpad, its not as smooth as it should have been and makes tracking a little annoying... but i use a mouse mostly so it doesnt effect me.

I'd go with a netbook,

I'd go with a netbook, although if you intend to do a significant amount of typing on it I would suggest a small notebook instead, since you'll benefit from a larger keyboard. If you're using it for college/uni then the priority needs to be practicality and functionality over what's fun or fashionable.

I personally do not like Apple products at all, I think they are over-priced and over-hyped (I hereby declare this can of worms officially open). They are predominantly fashion accessories and status symbols and their technical merit rarely justifies their price tags. In this case though, regardless of my personal opinion of the iPad, I would advise against it simply because the alternatives are more fit for purpose.

If you'll be using it for

If you'll be using it for school, a netbook definately.