[AnotherUnixGeek]

Flash Support... It will not support Flash, and probably never will, because Flash is a 32 bit application and iPad and iPhone are 64 bit Operating Systems... and Flash is a resource hog that eats CPU cycles.

The iPhone OS is 32 bit. Even if it weren't, it's certainly possible to run Flash in 32 bit browsers on 64 bit operating systems. Apple's decision not to enable Flash on the iPhone/iPad is based on political reasons, not technical reasons.

OS X... iPhoneOS is a subset of OSX. However, apps are available that allow an iPad user to access both an OS X Mac or a Windows computer over the internet and fully use either of those computers.

$499 seems like an awful lot to pay for a portable dumb terminal when the same amount gets you a full-function laptop which can run OSX, Windows 7 or Linux natively.

[Swordmaker]

The iPhone OS is 32 bit. Even if it weren't, it's certainly possible to run Flash in 32 bit browsers on 64 bit operating systems. Apple's decision not to enable Flash on the iPhone/iPad is based on political reasons, not technical reasons.

my understanding is that the new iphoneOS4 is 64 bit and the iPad is 64 bit already. Safari runs Flash in a 32bit App sandbox to keep it from breaking Safari. I may be wrong on this, but this is what I was told by a friend who is an Apple engineer.

[AFreeBird]

Yea there’s a wrapper to run 32 bit flash on a 64 bit Linux. And there’s even a 64 bit beta out. I have nothing but trouble with it.

As for iPad vs my ThinkPad? I haven’t really touched my laptop in a week. Since I have no work to use it for, I’ve been using it for content consumption.

Around 7 pounds versus one and a half; 3 hour battery versus 10.

To use laptop, set down, open lid (wait for it to wake up and reestablish WiFi) , login and go. To use pad, press home button, swipe finger and go.

Mobility: I can walk around the house with the pad like I would with a magazine; about the same size too. Laptop, yea its doable, but awkward and clumsy and forget about holding like a magazine and still interact with it. Transporting: pack laptop in backpack with power cord, sling backpack over shoulder and go. iPad, close cover and carry like said magazine. Did I mention battery life?