[nimblegorilla]

Yeah, I thought some of the points contradicted too. At one point he says a curved edge is better for holding, but it is "impossible" to engineer it that way due to batteries. Then he says the Sony S tablet's curve makes it unusable. hmmm....

I've never used the S tablet, but it does seem like it might be more comfortable to hold in portrait mode. I almost never use my iPad lying flat on the table and when I do it is usually an uncomfortable reading angle unless I prop it.

[tomp]

His drawing of the "optimal" shape clearly shows that while the back is curved to follow the curve of the hand, the back is still symmetrical, so when the Pad is placed on the table, it lies flatly on the surface, and the front of the Pad is completely horizontal.

[ctdonath]

Two other key factors for the curved back:

- unless you look at the device edge-on right at 90 degrees, it looks much thinner than it in fact is

- when placed on the table, it gives a subtle illusion of floating.

Both contribute to a subjective "wow!" response, where other practical designs don't.

[nazar]

And its easier to grab it. with flat surfieces one would be forced to push it till the edge of the surface, like when I try to pick up coins from table, PAIN!