In regards to thinness, I think it's time for Apple to redesign how and where the power, volume, and mute buttons work on the iPad. Having them be physical buttons on the side makes sense for something like an iPhone or iPod where you hold it with one hand and easy access with the thumb is preferable, but it's always seemed awkward to me when using an iPad, even the mini, due to its size.
While the device's thickness has steadily decreased, front surface area has remained constant, so perhaps its time to relocate the volume and mute functions to the front bottom section. As for the power switch, there's no reason the Home button couldn't work. We already use it to turn it on; a press-and-hold function could turn it off.
Right now it just seemed half-baked. We're missing the mute button, but still have volume and power buttons. Either be bold and redesign all of them and how they work, or stop making it so thin. Otherwise, it looks like Apple is making sacrifices instead of thinking up something new.
