Last night I went to the Bridgewater Hall to a Halle Orchestra concert. Lovely it was. I was sitting in the side-circle and in the stalls was a man with his iPad or whatever. Obviously, from that distance, one man and his Pad didn't bother me, but I was glad he wasn't anywhere near me. I had a vision of a concert-hall full of glowing oblongs!

He sounds like he has an addiction

I guess the only possible excuse would be if he was a critic and was writing his review of the concert.

Tim

Or reading along with the score.

The proper etiquette, IMO is probably the same as cell phones. Although, phones are noisier, especially if talking. In a doctors office or something - go for it. At the DMV - have fun. At a concert? No - you should be enjoying the concert. At the movies or some other public performance? No...leave the iPad at home!

Originally Posted by Tim SPRACKLEN

I guess the only possible excuse would be if he was a critic and was writing his review of the concert.

Tim

Yes, I wondered if he was a critic, but even so....

Reading along with the score, or reading anything else definitely not acceptable.

One can do worse. I have, on occasion, encountered people who watch videos on their iPad while commuting on a crowded train. That's usually still ok, but more often than not, they're so engrossed with their videos that they don't realise that they're obstructing other passages from aligning or moving around the train.

Definitely boorish behaviour. If he's a critic there should be a special seating ( working ) area for the media. Especially at a venue
like Bridgewater Hall.

I see Bridgewater is hosting an evening with David Hasselhoff in February. Interesting selection.

AA

Originally Posted by Playdoh

One can do worse. I have, on occasion, encountered people who watch videos on their iPad while commuting on a crowded train. That's usually still ok, but more often than not, they're so engrossed with their videos that they don't realise that they're obstructing other passages from aligning or moving around the train.

Yeah, but that's the new behaviour isn't it. 90% of the population seem to have their eyes down and ears plugged these days. I wonder that here aren't more deaths!

IMO, it is a non-issue during the intermission or before the performance begins. Performances need no avoidable distractions.