Ever since Steve Jobs recent public comments about the optimal size and other characteristics of tablet computing devices, I've been thinking occasionally about this matter. One of the reasons I have not jumped to purchase an Apple iPad is its thickness and weight. It is just a bit to heavy in your hands to be comfortable for reading e-books, magazines, and newspapers. Heavier, that is, than a paper newspaper or a paperback book.
The Chosun Ilbo today covered the introduction of Samsung's Galaxy Tab, the 7" tablet that Steve Jobs critized. While it is definitely lighter in weight, its problem is that the screen size doesn't permit a natural reading of books, newspapers or magazine articles. The Chosun Ilbo's article does note one point that I strongly agree with. Consumers will be the ultimate judge. In my opinion, neither Apple nor Samsung are quite there yet, in terms of the form factor for tablet-size computers or reading devices. I see these emerging as lightweight and very much the size of the old print media.