one iPad correction

In my post a few days ago on the strengths and weaknesses of the iPad, I listed among the weaknesses the fact that you had to charge it through your computer. Michael Flower, who is an experienced and skilled user of the device, wrote in to say that he didn’t follow my meaning on that point. I didn’t follow his either, but figured he must be right given his great facility in using the device.

Well, Michael was of course right, and it’s actually pretty simple… There is a plug in the box that easily allows you to hook the iPad into a wall socket. I couldn’t avoid noticing the plug, but for various accidental reasons didn’t notice the USB connection on it, and couldn’t quite figure out what it was for. I’m too absent-minded on technical questions, and always trust the word of others over my own eyes on such matters. The odd thing is, I was pretty good with computers up into my late teens, but then let those synapses die off, I guess.

Anyway, rest assured, you don’t need to charge the iPad through your computer.