As the iPad wings its way from factory to Apple outlets, developers should be preparing to convert apps so they work well on the new device, this could take some time and not all will get an iPad update.

While the iPad will play existing apps in a window at 1x zoom or at x2 zoom, it won’t be easy to interact with some games in either mode. This will lead to a poor user experience.

When designing games the user interface is positioned to provide a clear view of the action but also to be comfortable in the hand. Here are a couple images of THC placed on the iPad. It’s clear to me that playing the game in either zoom mode won’t be comfortable.

iPad playing an app at 1x zoom

iPad playing an app at 2x zoom

Content is a big lure to any new Apple product. iPad users rushing to buy the top games may find themselves disappointed with control systems not designed for this device. In addition many developers may we waiting to see how the iPad takes off before updating their catalog.

We will have to wait to get our hands on the hardware, to work out the best user interface solution for our games and asking our iPhone clients, “Do you want iPad with that?”