What? You can use itunes with your ipad? Good for you buddy.
I also transfer files using my phone and USB. Everybody, except poor ipad suckers, have USB. But I also have a job and don't just sit around on my couch talking about how I have an ipad on my couch, a kindle on my toilet, a netbook on the stairs, a laptop in my car, and never seems to reach any point even with all that typing.
What is the ipad for? What is it for? Controlling personalized HTPC setups? Yeah, right. Glad that works for you, I just use a wireless keyboard/trackball and a remote control.
You know, I could have sworn it was USB that I was using to talk to my iPhone and iPad. Yeah, the connector is different on the device end, but ALL that changes is what cable I use, not what I can do with the device.
USB on the DEVICE is only REALLY interesting if it lets you connect to OTHER PERIPHERALS.
Fair point, that I already conceded, on the fact that I cannot transfer arbitrary files to the device over USB. I can do it over WiFi or the internet though, and don't even need to be at my PC to do it. I can print wirelessly to, though I do not ever see needing to do that from an iPhone or iPad.
I explained what I used my iPad for. It's a nicer interface to things that, yes I can do with other devices - but that are more convenient and/or richer from the iPad. I do not expect my needs or desires (or my budget) to be the same as everyone elses.
I don't use an HTPC at ALL.
I have a series of Tivo devices, all controlled from the iPhone/iPad. I have a house-wide Sonos system, all controlled from the iPhone/iPad. I have a Linn DS as part of my primary music system, and that is also controlled from my iPhone/iPad. I can drive my music system, especially when I have guests, without having to sit with a keyboard and a trackball.
Currently guests in my home can change what they watch or listen to in their rooms using iPod touches that are present in each bedroom. A couple of those rooms have iMacs (running Windows 7) in so they can browse and read their email, Facebook etc. with. I may well repurpose those machines and put iPads there instead.
I work too