[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by Sonist

Again, the in-app ad behaved as I understand iAd works, and I was taken aback by it, since it was effectively a demo version of the game. I had to click on it to continue playing. Why do you think iAd is somehow so different - because I can be forced to watch the ad within the app, instead of out of it? Not an earth-shattering difference to me.

It's not different. He and I were just saying that ads in Apps are around now, so they're not being introduced by iAds. What we'll see is if ads become a lot more prevalent when iAds launches with OS 4.0.

Hm, where did you get this information? Because it's not true.

Some sites have adapted. One example I found was ESPN.com--a site I visit a ton.

When I go there on my girlfriends iPad I get to choose the mobile or full site.

I pick the full site and initially in loading the front page video will display the "Install Flash Player" icon, but when it loads that goes away and then the video is available and does play fine. So I guess they have a hybrid Flash/HTML 5 system or something.

I want to say my g/f said the videos on CNN.com worked as well.

So some actually websites have adapted, probably not very many. But ESPN and the network streaming sites were all I use regularly that use flash, so the iPad's lack of flash didn't bother me nearly as much as I was expecting.

I considered it a major drawback until using my girlfriend's iPad. The ABC and Netflix app take care of most of my video, once Hulu app is out I'll be pretty set on that.

One thing I didn't check is ESPN360.com, I doubt that would work. But maybe they'd put out an app.

IMO, the iPad offers web browsing experience akin to that of the late '90s and the few sites which are agreeing to cater specifically to the format are hoping to exploit a captive market.

It's not nearly that bad. I was with you in the Apple forum before playing around with it. But as I said above, for my browsing habits the lack of flash turned out not to be the major hassle I was expecting.

And the browsing experience in terms of reading articles, blogs etc. on the iPad is fantastic as the scrolling is so much faster and smoother than with a mouse or touchbad or keyboard. And the pinch zooming is awesome for browsing as it's a great way to deal with text that's too small on many websites.

So I'd hardly say it's a late '90s experience. The touching, zooming etc. I found to be a big step forward. Lack of flash didn't bother me much--but that is the big drawback for people who use more flash heavy sites for sure.

I'd certainly prefer flash support, but it's not the deal breaker I thought it would be.

But still if Android apps can match the quality of the interface, screen, battery life etc. and add flash support, a file management system etc. I'd go with one of those over the iPad.

A related question, does Apple have a patent on the pinch zoom interface? That's been the thing I like the most, and would hope an Android or other tablet could mimic.