Yes, personal $ circumstances are important.

Maybe you could consider an android based tablet? Or, a used iPad 1, or even an iPad 2, used ones may now or soon be available from people who upgrade to the iPad 3?

For myself, I can't exaggerate the convenience of an iPad2, that I have had since April '11. I resisted mainly because I'm conservative about spending my money (retired person on pension), and because I have always used a Windows PC.
But after seeing my wife use an iPad- she's Mac all the way- I was attracted to get my own. Have never regretted it, ALL my music and song lyrics are on it now, replacing about 5 three ring binders.

My regular picking buddies have also converted to tablet, some to iPad, others to Android devices. They all like them.

Android tablets are somewhat cheaper than iPads, so that's a consideration too.