+1 to that. I've driven manual for 15 years, but conceded to the wife asking (nay, demanded!) for an automatic on the last automobile purchase. It frees up one

+1 to that. I've driven manual for 15 years, but conceded to the wife asking (nay, demanded!) for an automatic on the last automobile purchase. It frees up one hand majority of the time and she doesn't have to think about it through turns. For me, the benefits of an automatic are trivial compared to the joy of driving a manual transmission, with one great exception: stop-and-go traffic. The process of driving a manual usually boils down to engaging the clutch partially, briefly, so that not too much fuel is wasted for each acceleration. My shins get tired after at least 20 minutes of this. You would think doing this routine every day would make it more tolerable. Surprisingly, it does not. Now that I do not have to freeway commute to work, considering a manual for the next purchase. As already stated, they are more fun to drive. On topic, I'd say this is why I do not prefer Apple's walled garden of simplicity. I don't want these choices made for me, necessarily. I like the fact that I can install any software I wish, at any time. As has been said uncountable times, the iPad is directed at certain types of users. I am not one of those types, and I doubt I would ever be. If I had disposable income (where I could afford to throw away $500 on an entertainment device), I'd buy one. My wife would love it, and I'd use it for idle surfing now and again. I might even make some interesting apps for Safari. Wouldn't want to learn Objective-C though, because what good is writing a program if your own computer won't even allow you to run it?