My thoughts on Flash...

Steve Jobs made hit thoughts clear, here, about the debate over Flash support. It's something that there has been a lot of mud thrown around over, along the the lines of "They should..." and "Why not...?" That I have felt moved to examine my own position.

Personally: it's up to the user. I don't really mind the absence of Flash for any of my regular sites.

First, let me say this: I did recently acquire said hot new device, but I didn't get it to replace (exactly) my primary computer. I got it to supplement it, or to be able to perform basic business and a little bit of fun stuff if I am away from home. I got it because I believe it's easier to carry an iPad around, instead of hauling a laptop, then having to find a power outlet when the battery starts running low (which can be fun during a layover in a busy airport).

95% of what I do with my computer is typing and a little bit of surfing (mostly to the same set of sites... author's blogs, Wikipedia, and various items for personal business [email, banking, etc.]). the other 5% is iTunes and other media management (burning discs, playlists, adjusting ipod content, etc.) If I'm out and about, I don't really need to have a DVD burner with me, since odds are I'm not going to have blank DVDs to burn to. (I might, but that's if I'm explicitly planning on doing something with the drive. When traveling, that's not too often.)

Which takes me back to Flash. The one place that the lack of Flash would be a regular issue for me is on Facebook. I do play a few games, and they are designed using Flash. I can live without playing the Facebook games (I have noticed sufficient lag/resource issues on a full computer, so I can buy the battery drain point that Jobs presents)... and odds are there will be a real computer around if I do feel the need to check on the games.

We did experience an issue last night, checking out some sites in preparation for a trip to Denver, where there were Flash pieces involved. It was a small irritation, but the Flash pieces were supplemental: side-thoughts and links to photos/videos that we were looking into. We were still able to get the pertinent information for events & locations.

So in all, I'm not that upset over the lack of Flash. For my uses and primary needs, I can get by without it. And once I get a case for it, I'm goingto make sure it gets some mileage.