Why 4:3? →
Kirk McElhearn explains why 4:3 is the right aspect ratio for the iPad:
It looks like Apple’s choice of the 4:3 format is designed to fit certain types of usage, such as reading books and magazines, browsing the Web and using productivity applications. While many people will probably watch movies on the iPad, Apple seems to be betting that the iPad will be used very differently from laptops.
One other benefit from such an aspect ratio, is that landscape suddenly becomes all the more tolerable. As a landscape hater myself, I facepalmed when I heard that the iPad is more landscape friendly than the iPhone. But with 4:3 (or 16:12), the differences in orientation is not as glaring as on the iPhone (15:10), so it might just be tolerable behaviour.
Incidentally, the HP Slate sports a 16:9 display, which is (further) proof that ‘Microsoft and Friends’ just don’t get the tablet form factor.
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Ummmm….
“While many people will probably watch movies on the iPad, Apple seems to be betting that the iPad will be used very differently from laptops.”
I’m willing to bet if you asked 99 people what they predominantly use their laptops for, watching movies ain’t one.
I actually agree, the iPad is definitely an interaction device first and foremost and the ratio will suit that both horizontally and vertically depending on what you’re interacting with.