Originally Posted by Rick-WW3DE

Apparently there is a software rotation lock in the new OS. I'm going to search for it now. Thanks!

Double-tap the Home button and that will bring up the multi-tasking bar. Slide the bar to the right and that will reveal the iPod functions, screen brightness adjustment and....

My biggest gripe is simply the fact that it's so locked down and not expandable in any way whatsoever.

It didn't bother me, but now that more fully-featured Android tablets are being released, I'll be buying one of those for primary use, and the iPad will only be used on occasion.

Originally Posted by Superbike81

My biggest gripe is simply the fact that it's so locked down and not expandable in any way whatsoever.

Could you be a tad bit more specific? Not to say that I disagree, but would be nice to hear moar!

Well, in Apple's effort to keep this device the way they want it, they have eliminated any and all expansion ports (SD slots, USB ports, HDMI out, battery slot, etc etc).

While the jailbreak option does open up the software a little more, you are still in general limited by the hardware.

It's not even a huge deal to me, but as my primary device for taking to work and school with me, I would like something a little more feature-filled. The iPad has been a great tool for me, especially the Gray's Anatomy app has been excellent for my studies, so it will have a place in my backpack for a long while. Once the Android tablets start to really roll out with better options (early next year) I'll be getting one to use primarily.

Originally Posted by Superbike81

My biggest gripe is simply the fact that it's so locked down and not expandable in any way whatsoever.

Not to use that old worn out cliche, but that is actually a feature. The iPad was designed to be a consumption device, made for consuming stuff through iTunes and it does that quite well. It is marketed primarily to the "average" consumer to stay connected while on the go, not for "computer geeks" who seem to be the people who are the most dissatisifed with the iPad.

Originally Posted by 1991-C4

Not to use that old worn out cliche, but that is actually a feature. The iPad was designed to be a consumption device, made for consuming stuff through iTunes and it does that quite well. It is marketed primarily to the "average" consumer to stay connected while on the go, not for "computer geeks" who seem to be the people who are the most dissatisifed with the iPad.

Well said. This is going into my notes.

Originally Posted by 1991-C4

Originally Posted by Superbike81

My biggest gripe is simply the fact that it's so locked down and not expandable in any way whatsoever.

Not to use that old worn out cliche, but that is actually a feature. The iPad was designed to be a consumption device, made for consuming stuff through iTunes and it does that quite well. It is marketed primarily to the "average" consumer to stay connected while on the go, not for "computer geeks" who seem to be the people who are the most dissatisifed with the iPad.

I understand, and for the most part agree with what you say. Had there been other options available, I wouldn't have bought the iPad, but it was the only product available. I don't think you have to be a computer geek to find value in a full functioning USB port or SD card reader or webcam though.

I really don't have THAT many complaints about the iPad, I love it overall, just wish there was a little more to it.

Originally Posted by 1991-C4

Originally Posted by Superbike81

My biggest gripe is simply the fact that it's so locked down and not expandable in any way whatsoever.

Not to use that old worn out cliche, but that is actually a feature.

I think that is a stretch. I agree that for a large part the lack of expandability is a design (and money making) decision on Apple's part. I also agree that the Ipad has plenty of features for media consumption. However, calling the lack of something a "feature" is pushing it a little in my opinion. It is simply a limitation of the device, no different that a lack of air conditioning in a car. Some might call that a feature, I would call it a shortcoming.

Ooo... I sense something brewing...

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! O' PEOPLE OF GLORIOUS ROME! WELCOME...

... To the colosseum! On the dirt covered land before your bloodthirsty eyes, is the iPad! Under the ground, chained to their feet, are the viscous hounds of limitations! In their pens, are the mighty warriors of our beloved Rome herself - Features!

Behold their struggle, watch, as they battle to the death, over the iPad!"