The Ubuntu Desktop, lacking the technology and innovation of the iPad, is loosing ground in the race for a common desktop. This article provides three reasons the iPad is dominating and why Apple is making money while Canonical is struggling.

At first glance, it will be difficult for Canonical and Ubuntu to compete with Apple's dominant iPad in the tablet market. But now that I've had some time to really think about the situation, I think the iPad will help to re-ignite Ubuntu's Mobile Internet Device (MID) effort against Microsoft Windows. Here's why.

When the $499 iPad tablet was announced last month, many journalists commented that the device was surprisingly affordable for an Apple product. This may not be the case however, as several sub $200 competitors running Google Android operating system have appeared.

I know how we'll know whether the iPad is a success or not. That's right. Somebody will port a version of Ubuntu to run on the iPad. For now, let's call it the Ubuntu iPad Edition Remix. If the iPad touches anyone in the open source community, iPadBuntu is right around the corner. You know how else we'll know. Google will release plans for its own Linux-based pad. Let's call it the gPad.

I've been playing with the iPad for a while now, and I quite like it. But, I've also noticed that there's a lot of misconceptions about what the iPad is, and isn't.

Everyone is noting that Apple's iPad is a closed system; but there's a dangerous knock-on consequence of giving people the ultimate system for *consuming* content: they don't really understand computers. That's bad, because it means that politicians will find it even easier to bring in legislation like ACTA that will harm free software.

Interest in iPad app development is waning, and the device just got here. Maybe that means it's time to explore more open options. Here are five.

A gold-coated exterior, with a diamond encrusted Apple logo, conceals the world of DRM and proprietary garbage that lurks within. You can't judge an iPad by its cover!

I researched and played with many different devices before deciding on my Asus T91MT. It amazes me how many people do not even know they exist when they released almost a year ago! The iPad on the other hand got more press than you can shake a stick at and everyone under the sun knows what it is after just a few weeks.