Well, it's simple really. Apple employs market researchers to tell them things about the public and what they want from things like the iPad. The market researchers need the general public, and for a big ticket item like this they needa lot, to get an honest opinion of things.
So, all you have to do is sign-up to be a tester and you'll be able to keep the iPad you've been using to test. I told you it would be easy.
Testing usually takes the form of giving your opinions on things like:
How easy you find the iPad to use
What could be improved on the iPad
What applications you would like to see
Just the sort of thing you would imagine companies would like to know in order to improve their product.
Once you've finished with your testing, the iPad will be yours to keep. Win-win all round. The marketers get their information, Apple make a better product and you get a free of charge uber-trendy gadget.
So, if you have a little bit of free time and want a free Apple iPad, Become a Tester Now
Free Apple iPad - Can You Become An Apple iPad Tester?