iPad Etiquette: The 'Official' FAQ

As early adopters, the opportunity to define proper etiquette is ours.

If we let them, the old guard will try to take the reins on when and how we should use this goddamned thing. Yet if we adhere to the societal mores newspaper mannerists are certain to inflict upon us, we'll all be huddled in dark closets, singularly and shamefully tapping away on our virtual keypads--iPariahs, without the succor of the civil society to accompany us.

But we don't have to let it come to that. Plant your flags and stake out your turf now, my fellow technophiles. Let's do this thing!

Q: Can I use my iPad at the dinner table?
A: No. If Steve Jobs had wanted you to use your iPad at the table, he would have put a camera in it so you could take pictures of your future poo and upload them to Foodspotting. There are, however, exceptions. When its large screen size may be used to share something visually will all other dining companions, you may use your iPad.

For example, you may wish to demonstrate something via Wikipedia to all the guests at the table -- such as evidence that they should not order the $22 Squab because it is genetically nothing other than a common rock dove, or city pigeon, which should not be consumed by anyone other than the homeless.

Or you may want to show your fellow diners PETA photos of a hog farm just before they dig into some tasty bacon. Generally speaking, however, you should always try to use your iPhone at the table.

Q: Can I use my iPad while watching TV with my spouse?
A: Yes. It is correct in all situations to use an iPad in front of the TV, for a variety of compelling reasons. For example, you may find the program your spouse is watching to be boring, and wish to fire up your own TV show (remember to use headphones!). Or you may need to point out a continuity error by looking up information from Lostpedia. Remember: No matter what your spouse says, the proper action is to always share information, even if it means interrupting the program in progress. Although this may cause some short term anger, it will lead to a greater appreciation of television programming over the long term.

Q: Can I use my iPad in bed at night?
A: Naturally, and the iBooks and Kindle apps will even lull you to sleep at night with popular fiction, and such. However, if you share your bed, you should be aware of two things. First, the iPad's illuminated LED backlit screen glows rather brightly in the dark. It might be enough to keep a sensitive partner attempting to sleep next to you awake, and it certainly has enough candlepower to affect your circadian rhythms. In other words, dim the screen in the bedroom.

Also keep in mind that if you're using an iPad to interact with others online, you have essentially invited them into bed with you. Unless your partner is cool with all your geek friends showing up in the sheets, you may want to restrict yourself to reading, mellow gaming and other less socially active activities.