&#62; I am wondering what led you to expect that the ipad would be something different; was it apple's history of making non-locked-down devices? its tendency to produce metric truckloads of insanely popular consumer devices?<p>I don't think I ever thought it would be open and hackable, however one can always hope!<p>In reality though, some piece of me always believed that the iPhone was so locked down for reasons of getting it on cellular networks who seem not be so keen on the idea of letting folks do as they please with their devices. I've heard that in years past, getting a developers kit for something like the motorola RAZR was impossible, though that was word of mouth.<p>And of course the iPad will have GSM support, so that may still remain true.<p>&#62; I am thinking of a general answer to posts of this sort: If you don't like it, don't buy it.<p>I won't.<p>&#62; And further, given the nature of this board, if you see a need (e. g., something people want), build it. Apple has seen a need, and it is building something that people want. You are seeing a need for something else, and it is possible that other people want it too, so why not go build it?<p>In this specific case, I don't know if there's a want for it aside from my own. It's my Pony. The biggest reason to not go build it is the threat of patents. But, that aside, I don't have the resources or know-how (easily obtained myself, or by partnering with someone who does of course).