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iPad ergonomics
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There is a stark difference between the iPad itself and the iPad in a case. I got the Belkin Grip Vue this morning, after going case-less for a week, and noticed a huge difference. There is not an issue with the weight, but more of grip. The back of the iPad is simply too slippery for it's own good. It looks nice and the brushed metal is nice, but makes it slippery and you end up putting in more force to hold it.
Enter the Grip Vue. I use less force and therefore exert less energy. Since i've got the Grip Vue, it's been much nicer.
Enter the Grip Vue. I use less force and therefore exert less energy. Since i've got the Grip Vue, it's been much nicer.
I agree, you gotta have some kind of case or cover for it. I'm trying to keep as minimal as possible. when my 3G comes in, I have a vinyl back cover and the PS anti-glare screen ( a must to use it any bright lighting).
I'm hoping the Gen2 will have oled screen, which would be thinner, lighter and more battery time. I'd say they could even lighten/lessen the battery with an oled screen.
I'm hoping the Gen2 will have oled screen, which would be thinner, lighter and more battery time. I'd say they could even lighten/lessen the battery with an oled screen.
I don't know--I've been using my without a case since I got it on April 5th, and I haven't had any problems. I've read ten novels on it, surf the web a lot, use Pages. I hate Pages, but that's not an ergonomics issue. 
All of this stuff was researched and taken into account by Apple when they determined the form factor. The device just takes some getting used to.
+1 on the Belkin Grip Vue. Best case. The iPad is even more of a pleasure to use with it. I feel like I can be a little rougher with it.... I don't have to baby it as much with that case on. Plus, the grip it provides is outstanding.
Also, I was very worried about dust and debris getting into the case, but that hasn't happened at all.
I don't know--I've been using my without a case since I got it on April 5th, and I haven't had any problems. I've read ten novels on it, surf the web a lot, use Pages. I hate Pages, but that's not an ergonomics issue.
I used it for the first couple of weeks without a case, and I too had no issues with holding it.
It's hard to describe, but the iPad feels really well thought out. I think it's the best it can be with the current technology, along with battery sizes and weights. It's extremely natural to hold or prop up with the case. If you're careful and think well about it, it works great even in portrait mode. I've only ever really used mine in the Apple case, but I can say that it's very ergonomic to hold in one hand or two. I'm a reasonably strong guy, so holding a 1.5 pound device in my hand isn't terrible. If it strains you, I don't know what to say. I know that the case also makes it really great to type on, but I can't comment on the typing as far as without the case.
Yes, they thought it out. Then they decided to go with form over function. If they had opted for an easier-to-hold design holding the iPad would not take any getting used to.
Besides, I'm sure Apple has some clever licensing deal in place so they make money on any iPad case you buy. Get a case. Hide that beautiful aluminum frisbee. Less of a target for thieves anyway.
What could they do to make it better? Make it lighter? How?
There are already people saying that it doesn't do enough because Apple wanted to hit that weight and ergonomic factor. Make it thinner and lighter and you lose even more.
Make it thicker and chunkier for big hands and it gets too bulky to be that goto option over a laptop.
Put it in an agenda style wallet and you turn a lot of people off. I know I don't like these Wallet style cases. They've been around for ages on various phones and pda's and never really seem popular outside of the US. It's a style that I don't like or get. So the iPad ships naked to allow people of varying tastes to make their own choice.
Reading through this thread it is clear that some people want something that is smaller and lighter. And Apple already make that option - the iPod and iPhone. The iPad is aimed at people who want that, supersized.
I agree that holding it in one, or two hands, unsupported, it gets a little heavy and uncomfortable. But I don't think that's how they envisioned people would use it. Me, I sit on the couch, cross a leg, and support it between my waist and thigh, holding it lightly with my left had whilst my body takes the weight. Slouching helps, for those of you not overly concerned with posture. Or I half lay down in bed and rest it on my stomache, whilst supporting it lightly with my left hand. Or I scoot my knees up in bed and lean it unsupported on my thighs. It takes less effort, and feels way more comfortable, than attempting the same sort of thing with a laptop. Reading this back, I could be taking about my manhood, really, I am talking purely about the iPad.
Personally, I think Apple nailed the ergonomics. Maybe they coulda saved a few grams by using a thin iPhone like rear casing instead of the Aluminium, but really, I prefer that feeling of solidity.
There are already people saying that it doesn't do enough because Apple wanted to hit that weight and ergonomic factor. Make it thinner and lighter and you lose even more.
Make it thicker and chunkier for big hands and it gets too bulky to be that goto option over a laptop.
Put it in an agenda style wallet and you turn a lot of people off. I know I don't like these Wallet style cases. They've been around for ages on various phones and pda's and never really seem popular outside of the US. It's a style that I don't like or get. So the iPad ships naked to allow people of varying tastes to make their own choice.
Reading through this thread it is clear that some people want something that is smaller and lighter. And Apple already make that option - the iPod and iPhone. The iPad is aimed at people who want that, supersized.
I agree that holding it in one, or two hands, unsupported, it gets a little heavy and uncomfortable. But I don't think that's how they envisioned people would use it. Me, I sit on the couch, cross a leg, and support it between my waist and thigh, holding it lightly with my left had whilst my body takes the weight. Slouching helps, for those of you not overly concerned with posture. Or I half lay down in bed and rest it on my stomache, whilst supporting it lightly with my left hand. Or I scoot my knees up in bed and lean it unsupported on my thighs. It takes less effort, and feels way more comfortable, than attempting the same sort of thing with a laptop. Reading this back, I could be taking about my manhood, really, I am talking purely about the iPad.
Personally, I think Apple nailed the ergonomics. Maybe they coulda saved a few grams by using a thin iPhone like rear casing instead of the Aluminium, but really, I prefer that feeling of solidity.
It's not that great for holding with one hand. With two hands it's just fine, but with only one it does begin to hurt after a while. Most of the time it's sitting in my lap so it's not too bad, but I don't like holding it for long periods. Even worse is typing while standing up. Aside from this, the device is great. Over time, with a new model, hopefully it will have a weight reduction.
It's not that great for holding with one hand. With two hands it's just fine, but with only one it does begin to hurt after a while. Most of the time it's sitting in my lap so it's not too bad, but I don't like holding it for long periods. Even worse is typing while standing up. Aside from this, the device is great. Over time, with a new model, hopefully it will have a weight reduction.
Really? Have you tried holding it in portrait and typing with your thumbs? It works really well for me.....
The ironic thing is that in all the poses that you described the light netbook would probably do just as fine if not better - no need to even support it with one hand. Besides the netbook probably has an advantage when sitting in that it's screen will be farther away from your tummy - less stress for your neck.
i bench 225lbs 10+ reps so please don't tell me to go to the gym to use the iPad...
Obviously you're not benching enough
there is a min 226# @ 12 reps to be able to handle the iPad.
as to the question
it sucks without a case for reading and that's 99% of my usage.
At first when I was using it naked, it was fine until I wanted to watch Netflix... and so I would prop it up on a pillow.
Then finally the apple case was delivered and it's perfect... I don't plan to really ever remove it from the apple case. I find myself mostly using it in landscape with the flap tucked back so it is propped up at an incline.
For the comments inquiring about neck issues... no different than reading a book or studying.
I love my iPad, but I love it even more in the apple case!
Then finally the apple case was delivered and it's perfect... I don't plan to really ever remove it from the apple case. I find myself mostly using it in landscape with the flap tucked back so it is propped up at an incline.
For the comments inquiring about neck issues... no different than reading a book or studying.
I love my iPad, but I love it even more in the apple case!