jamie_tickner wrote:I still don't know what purpose an iPad would serve!!
A very, very easy to use and locked-down internet/media device. Perfect for my parents for example, for whom the vast complexity of "normal" computers is an endless problem. I'd have no problems whatsoever with my folks downloading any app from the App Store -- if they get stuck, just press the Home button.
It's totally foolproof, and good that it is tightly controlled and locked down. Could you give your parents the same freedom on desktop Linux, the freedom to install anything they want in Synaptic? Breakage and trouble is just minutes away!
For many people who aren't interested in the complexity of computers, the file system and windows and close buttons and recycle bins and packages and the like, the iPad provides more freedom -- more freedom to use the internet, enjoy media and try software without complexity or breakage. I think this is really important when we talk about the definition of 'freedom'.
Of course, I'd rather it was technologically free as well; I hope we'll see some awesome Linux tablets to compete with or surpass the iPad. A free-as-in-freedom, Linux powered tablet with the ease-of-use and unbreakability of the iPad would be the best thing on the planet. We can hope!
M