No offense intended, Bob, and you're far from alone in recommending "jailbreaking" as a solution to almost any iPad constraint or lack of features, but it's not even an option for the vast majority of iPad owners, i.e. anyone running a current version of iOS.
Even if it were, like rooting an Android device, it adds a level of potential complexity to managing the entire hardware/software package that many (i.e most) consumers do not want.
It may be that once iOS 5 is released it may be possible to jailbreak the iPad once again. However, it is obvious that Apple is devoting significant resources to plug the holes in their OS that enables jailbreaking. If I'm not mistaken, for example, it took Apple only a few weeks to plug the hole in 4.3.3 with 4.3.4.
In short, if one is willing to rely on third party hacks and devote the effort required to tinker with one's iPad on a continuing basis, jailbreaking may be an option. But that puts the iPad in the same boat as Android systems. The issue is not what an iPad may be capable of if you're willing to sacrifice features and security on the mainline of iOS development.
For the record, I never take offence no matter how insulting. Not inviting insults, mind you. It is just very hard to offend me. And MOST CERTAINLY, your comments do not come close to offending me. We can discuss, debate, and argue sans insults and offences. Smiley.
Just wait and a reliable 4.3.4 JB will arrive. Actually, the major players are getting it done or already have done it. Actually, I am running a JB untethered on 4.3.3; the iOS update offers me nothing to get excited about because it was updated just to piss me off.
If you are willing to go tethered, Sn0wbreeze 2.3 will get it done. Redsn0w, Limerain, Greenpois0n are working hard and a reliable untethered JB will soon be here. Greenpois0n will give you an untethered JB of IOS 4.3.5.
As for Apple and their plugging of 4.3.4, a JB is out there and Apple did a terrible thing. Lots of rumbling about a JB for iOS 5. It is a given; a reliable JB for iOS 5 is just around the corner. Some say it is available now but not released because iOS 5 is beta and developers do not want Apple to plug it.
Bottom line: you can or will be able to JB any iDevice running almost any version of iOS and despite Apple's efforts, you always will be able to. Unless Apple decides enough is enough and they take drastic measures like
Microsoft is rumored to be doing with Windows 8. Not sure how that will pan out but I see lots of brilliantly lit discussion boards.
Anyway, the devs are very clever, the process of jailbreaking is a no brainer and the result is bloody well worth the small effort required to JB iDevices because Cydia can provide solutions to most problems. Not one App store but hundreds of repositories for stuff Apple will never offer.
In my opinion, every iPad user should jailbreak because it adds so much to the experience. Just my opinion. A plain Jane iPad, regardless of the iOS version is a joy and millions of happy users get by without the changes a JB offers.
That said, it is pretty hard to ignore the eye candy a great theme like Blaze gives you or complete file access and the ability to use flash drives and SD cards. That alone is why I JB my iPad.
