While some opinions about the actual product have been mixed, one thing is for sure.  The hype for the iPad still remains strong.  So much so, the hype surrounding it's pre-launch has actually been revealed to be stronger than pre-iPhone says a new survey according to The National Post.

A RBC/ChangeWave survey that gathered data from 3,200 people from February 1st-10th showed that 13% of respondents showed interest in scooping up an iPad.  This varies in contrast to the 9% that indicated they might buy an iPhone in an April 2007 pre-launch survey.  RBC Capital Markets analyst Mike Abramsky thinks this data will mean initial iPad uptake will be healthy he said in a research note.

Only about 8% seemed unwilling to pay Apple's indicated iPad prices, which is well below the 28% who didn't seem fond of the initial iPhone pricing.  

Abramsky continued saying that interest seems strongest for both the entry-level and tech-savvy iPad buyers, with results of 19% stating themselves as buyers planning to grab the $499 16GB WiFi only version and 19% saying they will scoop up the $829 64GB 3G edition.

"Preliminary, it appears that the iPad's lack of Flash support, camera, multi-tasking does not appear to deter initial buyer interest," Abramsky said.  "This data…suggests iPad may have greater potential than expected, to expand Apple's addressable PC, iPod markets and to capture a segment of the home PC market."

So for our MaclLifers out there, are you more stoked about the iPad than you were before the iPhone came out?  Feel free to leave comments below!

Image courtesy of Endgadget.com