i m not a apple fan, but this analogy really do justice with the iPad. though there is one major flaw with it - last time i checked, the iPad cant be activated without other computer. you need to connect it to some computer and activate it via itunes. so not really microwave. microwave with DRM maybe?
Your microwave doesn't need to be backed up or software updated on a regular basis. Syncing data between the iPad and a computer (photos, books, music, etc) is optional at this point. In the future I assume backups/software updates will not require a computer either but it is a challenge to backup 16/32/64GB to the cloud on a regular basis for most people with mediocre broadband connections and basically impossible over 3G due to data caps/throttling. I guess if we want to stick with the microwave analogy we could say the microwave cannot be activated before being plugged into an electrical socket. It's a practical consideration. We could have microwaves that ran on batteries but what's the point? If you own a microwave you probably have a spot to plug it in. If you own an iPad you probably have a computer of some kind. Worse case Apple will activate it for you.
For the larger issue of DRM I must say I've never used a microwave that was more open than an iPad. I can't load any third party software into my microwave. I can't even find any schematics for the internal designs to allow for my own modifications. I'm pretty sure companies like GE own patents for many of the components inside so I couldn't reproduce them and sell my own open source microwave.
I've read all the arguments against the iTunes activation step, not many for to be fair, but I believe I represent the silent majority that just doesn't mind that imposition. The iPad is book matched with it's sync software, ipad owner will then continue to use their sync software because it provides all the access to the music, movies, photos, apps, ...
As I remember, my US Robotics palm pilot did work without the initial sync, but I wouldn't have like to have trusted my data without sync and backup.
What's your particular problem with the initial sync stage?
