.jim also complains about the closed nature of the ipad, and prefers his netbook, albeit hasn't reported on whether or not the added weight of the netbook hampers his use of the unit.
LOL, thank you for the intelligent summary! However, I *have* reported here previously on my experience with the added weight of a netbook: Namely that when I try to hold it and read one-handed it weighs enough that my hand falls asleep. A bigger problem is the attached keyboard that I don't really need when I am reading a book, except that the attached keyboard has the page-turn buttons located in really stupid and unhelpful locations, such that when simply reading a book one-handed on a netbook turning pages is a pain in the *ss! Weight-wise iPad is slightly bigger thicker and heavier than a Kindle DX which is my current go-to preferred reading device, and the iPad is about the size and weight of the non-keyboard half of a netbook - which means overall a netbook is about 2X the size and weight of an iPad. Again, problems with the Kindle DX: Slow and unreliable AT&T "whispernet" wireless connection Slow and crappy basic web browser Slow PDF loads and page turns Difficult to use to write even basic notes - for example if one wants to take notes of the problems one sees when doing an SR. DRM policies of the books you buy from Amazon (as opposed to free books) are overly restrictive. Low contrast display when in low-light situations. Problems with a netbook: Too heavy Battery life too short Keyboard is not useful and is awkward when one just wants to read a book. Screen door effect Problems with iPad: Can't use wifi to download a ePub or MOBI book to the iPad, must download to a desktop computer and from there to iTunes to USB to iPad. Screen door effect ePub and MOBI reader apps on iPad not as good as those available on other platforms. We don't really know yet in practice how restrictive Apple DRM policies will prove to be [on purchased books] - in practice on free ePub and MOBI books they are very annoying. 3G monthly wireless prices are pricey - and once again comes from AT&T! [At least Kindle's 3G wireless is free - and worth every penny!]