This week on the iMartini Hour, the iDeke and I bring you a discussion of none other than the iPad. Neither Deke nor I have yet succumbed to the temptation of purchasing this tablet full of magic, (although not for lack of trying on my part). So we sit down with Chris Breen—Senior Editor at Macworld Magazine—and Ben Long—who you’ve met before, but has since written an infamous article on why the iPad isn’t for him (Also available as a dramatic reading)—to figure out how badly, or not, we might need this device in our lives. And geek-gadget inspired hilarity ensues in the process.

So over a wee dram of whiskey, we basically perpetrate our first ever gadget-inspired show:

But what a gadget, right? You can read books, watch movies, draw pictures, peruse comic books, play games, and so much more. But is the experience all it’s cracked up to be? Is it a tool you can do actual work with in the field, or is it just another thing you have to lug around? And at what point should you just stop fooling yourself and use a laptop?

And of course, aside from all the entertainment value of the thing, there’s the question as to whether or not you can use it for anything resembling photography-related activities. And just how hard would it be to create work-worthy documents like emails and spreadsheets? (Will I be able to write martini hour posts on it? I must know.)

Note that we had this conversation just before the release of the 3G version last week. This folks, is why I haven’t succumbed, not out of actual restraint, but out of waiting for my reserved 3G iPad to show up at the mothership Apple store before I have to leave San Francisco. So I’d say that despite this critical examination, I still come out on the “I want it” side of the fence.

Please join us for this show that not only features two great guests, one flawed but magical gadget and, to top it off, more than one mention of zombies. Here’s the regular-quality (128kbps) audio file. You can stream, or for best results, right-click and choose Download or Save. For you audiophiles out there, the high resolution file will be available as soon as I get out of this hotel and home to my own speedy internet. Hey, it’s right here, whaddaya know. And don’t forget the usual suggestion to subscribe via iTunes.

And let us know what you think about your iPad experience (or avoidance). Because until those 3Gs come in, I could still be talked out of it! (But you’d have to talk quickly and be very persuasive.)