iPad Thoughts

My 3DS thoughts last week has a corollary: the iPad!

The iPad seems like a great device: I could read my favorite PDFs (like Houston Freeways), play all sorts of games in full screen (Monkey Island 2, Riven), and fly through Google Maps with my fingers. But there's a dark side. First, the cost: it's about $500, which, in comparison to a full-functioned laptop, still seems like too much (and especially for the fact that it's meant to complement a home computer, not replace it). Secondly, the DRM, while not as bad as Nintendo, is a bit frustrating. It doesn't use Flash, which is necessary for things my college homework (and some games, but that's besides the point). Thirdly, it doesn't have buttons, which is bad because it makes typing and playing games especially much harder (thankfully some add-on accessories do the trick). Fourthly, there's only ONE App Store, controlled by Apple. While it does have some degree of quality control, Steve Jobs largely has control over it, often removing apps at his own discretion. Many things have been removed for a variety of reasons: everything from pornography to religion. Additionally, emulators are also off-limits (except for maybe an Apple IIGS emulator. Of course, you can install more apps via jailbreaking, but wouldn't it be nice if you could download the apps you want without having resort to that?