16:9

[Crosbie]

All the other tablets I've seen prototypes of have a 16:9 display, whilst that means nothing as such, it does mean there are people out these who are interested in other options.

The Notion Ink Adam being one model that some are interested in.

Other tablets are 16:9 for the same reason they have USB ports and run Flash and/or Windows: to distinguish their product from Apple's by catering to complaints and ticking boxes... prior to figuring out whether these are good design choices or not.

Would the OP (or other widescreenies) like a 16:9 display smaller than the present one?

You'd get lighter weight and more battery life too... would it be worth it for no black bars when watching movies?

 

[MacSiggy]

What's the point in starting a poll if you're just going to tell everyone they are wrong. Completely pointless. You've gauged everyone's views and the majority don't agree, time to move on, the iPad obviously isn't for you.

Reading books/magazines/comics would just be stupid in 16:9 and that is the market they are aiming for more than films.

 

[yegon]

If the black bars bother you that much, just completely butcher the aspect ratio by transcoding stuff to some ludicrous res like 1024x720, or even 960x720 for full screen thin people!

 

[wyneken]

What does that have to do with the topic?

Considering the topic is "16:9" I would say this comment is on point. The poster is pointing out one of the disadvantages of a 16:9 device, as opposed to 4:3 which is familiar and comfortable because it feels like many of the things we're used to holding and reading: books, letters, magazines, and so forth. 16:9 would feel odd to many people.

 

[ditzy]

The OP is right that movies would look better at 16:9. The problem is everything else would look worse. I personally do far more of everything else, than I do watching movies.