On using the iPad2

The iPad2 reading feature simulates the look of a physical book by displaying two side-by-side pages, with a hint of the rest of the book behind it. The illusion causes the reader to view something more like a photo of a book, rather than just the text you might see on other e-readers. While I initially liked this concept, what this means in practice is that the margins are larger, the gutter is disproportionately large, and there is less space for text. I found myself turning the page more frequently than necessary. I thought they could have put more text on each page.

I did however enjoy the simulated feature of 'turning the page' because the reader can see the 'digital' page folding back as you move further into the book. While it's a completely unnecessary feature, I have to admit it is cool.

One of the pre-downloaded items on our iPad (not all iPads) is an awesome interactive book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which at its core seeks to redefine what a book is; combining an assortment of typical media-associated elements (video, audio, interactivity touch screen) with the text of the story. The reader hears audio, sees video and text as they move through the book; and they are REQUIRED to interact with the touch screen to progress in the story. It was reminiscent of the Jolly Post Man books we had when we were younger, which sought to bring the reader further into a story by adding tactical elements required to move the story forward (taking letter out of envelope, unfolding, reading, placing back into envelope). Flying Books of course goes several steps beyond that, (several light years beyond that), but the feeling is somewhat similar. I'd be interested to see what the future holds for this type of mixed-media book.

To Summarize:
The color and text clarity is fabulous and what you would expect from an Apple product. I can see the real value in using an iPad to read the newspaper, magazine, Internet articles, and consume multi-media items. I don't see the necessity for reading a completely textual novel in color, and therefore the necessity for using an iPad to do so. [It's akin to using your car as a storage unit; yes you can do that, but my god it can do so much more! Just turn on the engine.]