Ed Finkler represents all of us geeks, but when he discusses the upcoming iPad I think he gets it completely when he says:

• What I’ve learned from interacting with most computer users, though, is that they do not give a rat’s ass about how computers work. They want to accomplish certain tasks, and will do this in the way that is most sensible and direct for them. And the way they end up accomplishing these tasks within the multitasking window motif is typically not the way I would do it.

I completely agree.  When I watch my family use the devices I obliterate, so much of what they do communicates the utter uselessness clutter 70% or more of what a typical computer operating system and its applications can do.  And let’s not discuss the goofy maintenance dance techies do to their family’s boxes from time to time.  That’s what’s wrong with computing today – netbooks are just a smaller form factor with the same problems -

Ed’s full article: We’re the Stupid Ones: Facebook, Google, and Our Failure as Developers.