My Favorite Thing About the iPad: No Writing/Logo/Other Crap on the Bezel

When I first saw the iPad demo, I thought the wide black bezel looked too thick - like; why couldn't they shrink it down some?

I had a chance to play with a coworker's iPad today and I realized the bezel is that thick by design - it's where your fingers go when you're holding the device. It really is well designed.

I LOVE this idea, I've always detested unnecessary and ugly branding that only serves to detract from the aesthetics of the product.

Not related at all but I find it amusing you can look at the iPad and determine by the screen smudges what task it's been used for recently. Horizontal lines on the right side? You've been reading a book. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed that on a glossy touchscreen, over time, some magical process happens (filth build up? chemical reaction?) where smudges just aren't very noticeable anymore. My iPhone 3G screen for example looks smudge free but I know if I give it a good cleaning it's really filthy. My theory is a base coat of filth builds up which is actually a good smudge repellent.

along similar lines, one of my favourite things about the iphone is the lack of carrier branding. i can only speak for australia, but carriers over here like to stick their logos all over the phone itself and re-brand the software interface also. it creates a horrible ugly mess.

This is also noticeable on all the other Apple products, especially laptops. I really disliked getting a top of the line Thinkpad from my old company and having those cheap Intel/Windows stickers.

"Let’s hope the iPad starts a trend."

Like maybe not branding half our pants, most of our shirts, and every single damn thing they sell us for kids to wear, eat, or play with? That'd be nice.

The indented home button is the logo.

Also note how Netflix is so obsessed with branding that the movie isn't even full-screen; their logo takes up a third of it!

When the user experience is the branding, you don't need anything else.

How is this different from the iPod Touch and iPhones?

I don't think having a logo in the front is a big deal. My laptop, monitors, and tv's have logos on them and honestly it doesn't distract me at all, probably because the screens are bright or maybe I've just become accustomed to them.

My least favorite thing about the official Apple iPad case: the Apple logo on the front.

(I'd prefer it look like a cheap pad of paper; less worries about leaving it on a table or passenger seat.)