Why the iPad isn't for me

> Download an audio file of Ben Long doing a dramatic reading of this article (MP4, 10 MB).

Nice touch. I'd also like to hear it in Shatner.

With respect of iPads for moms and grandparents, I am also a bit doubtful. Since a lot of web sites probably don't work as expected (ie no Flash, among other things), wouldn't that be confusing to the noobs? I am waiting for the first review from an iPad-Mommy.

Neither is it for me. I'm sending mine back. Things I don't like: (a) Eye strain, (b)It doesn't provide enough utility for me to justify another device in my life, and I don't want another media consumption device. In short, it's another toy. (c) An awkward device angle when touch-typing and trying to read what I'm typing.

The responses make for interesting reading.

My wife is dubious. She doesn't like the lack of Flash. She doesn't like trying to type on the software keyboard.

Her parents, definite technophobes, were intimidated by it. The first thing they wanted to look at was a slideshow on smugmug.com, some pictures of their granddaughter. Also Flash. They looked at me incredulously as I explained to them that you couldn't view the slideshow on the iPad. They tried to use the navigation on the website, but the navigation links were small and adjacent to the shopping cart link. At the height of their frustration, I pulled out my MBP so they could watch the slideshow on it. The thought of explaining to them how to set up their iPad to sync photos gives me chills.

OTOH, my 3-year-old LOVES it. She can use a mouse and a trackpad, but she has to concentrate and make deliberate movements. On the iPad, she flies. She can get to her favorite apps and watch her videos in a flash. There are lots of downsides to having this device in a toddler's hands, and I'd never let her use it unsupervised, but that's an aside from the usability issue.