Mike- the ipad compared to Kindle has many quirks I've discovered, because it does so much more than the Kindle.
I think it will be much better for me when it can do multiple apps in "multitasking" like I do with my cell phone.
The small screen opening is because those apps are ipod screen size and have not yet been updated to include the ipad features including the full screen size. ipad OS does have a 2x button you can activate which works very well on everything I used it on here. The other issue is many ipod only apps don't auto screen rotate properly either.
The NYT is a free app. That's what I loaded and while the print seems fine for my eyes, it is one that does not have zoom.
As for the weight, I agree that holding it for long periods is tiresome. I use the Apple case which doubles as a stand and usually prop it up on my lap with that accessory. Therefore, using in on the legs propped up, I can use it for hours and my butt gets tired sitting before my
arms. What you didn't complain about, because you didn't try it, is the ipad is not as good as Kindle in bright sunlight for reading.
The bottom line is, combined with my cell phone, I can easily travel and do much more with the ipad / cell phone combo than had I bought the Kindle. I pay more, I get to do much much more. At home it is what I grab to go out by the pool for a few hours. The lack of flash has caused some inconvenience, but I use a virtual desktop to my PC and access those sites that way. Since having the ipad, I have not taken my laptop out.
Beyond multitasking, I would like to see true file access and a true printer driver for the ipad. I guess flash support would be too much to ask. It is low on my list though. Would have been nice for the BP live feed site.