"The iPad, a gorgeous device for displaying content, has become something of a metaphor for the hermetic kingdom of Apple. A seamless device that can’t be opened, it has no apertures for input and is animated mostly by purchases from Apple."

"The iPad, a gorgeous device for displaying content, has become something of a metaphor for the hermetic kingdom of Apple. A seamless device that can’t be opened, it has no apertures for input and is animated mostly by purchases from Apple."

newsweek:

gillianmae:

jennydeluxe:

As usual, @carr2n nails it.

Thing is, this isn’t just a metaphor for Apple. This is how most media companies view their ecosystem, as a closed space in which they create content and people pay to consume it. Of course, that’s not how the Web works, and while closed systems can work in the short term, or in niche applications, the long-term trend is toward openness and interaction as the place where the big audiences (and, hopefully, big profits) happen.

Meh, it’s already been Jailbroken—*now* it’s open! ;)

Still, a touchscreen netbook running Win7 with a mifi or a 3G USB stick is a more logical, economical choice for the same money.  That’s what I’m going to buy (as soon as I have the money).

UPDATE 20110823: Earlier this year I picked up myself an Asus T101MT.  It's great, I love it and only started considering an iPad 2, recently, after learning the BBC's iPlayer was going to be available for the iPad--for free.