If they wanted the iPad to be a net appliance, then, sure a “dumbed down” UI/OS is fine, but appliances ought to be independent. I don’t need to sync my toaster or need a separate fridge-content manager software on a separate device. If it’s an idiot box make it idiot proof and genuinely independent of the desktop and iTunes and forget docks and accessories if you’re building an appliance.

Dumbed-down UI is no advantage if tethered to a desktop requiring desktop-level computer-literacy/competence… and a speaking to computer literacy in general, should we be *aspiring* for less sophisticated experience? In Japan, computer literacy rates amongst children have plummeted with the explosion of smart-phone adoption. Given that the US economy is heavily IP driven, I’m in no rush to do the same to our kids.

As for the failure of tablets prior had far less to do with the OS (which most implementers WANTED- and had no trouble navigating with the required stylus), as it had to do with cost/value, form factor, and battery life. A slate was always premium priced, gave you less for your money, and tended to be quite hefty… all while failing to deliver all-day battery life.

The iPad gives you all of these things- low cost, light weight, and battery life… at the cost of giving you an actual tablet! It’s merely an Apple branded slate PMP, larger than their iPod Touch. However, for the promise of TRUE tablet/slate computing the tech is FINALLY here with SSD, ULV CPUs, economy-of-scale capacitive screens, and Apple’s marketing push to revive interest in the genre.

Slapping your OS on a touch screen isn’t enough good anymore, and that is the big difference (that and touch tech more then the other hardware I’d say).