Mobile friendly web design begins with a good knowledge of handheld devices. Many people already switched from featured phones to smart phones. According to some respective research organization mobile device usage will surpass desktop computers in year 2013. In fact, the difference between a net-books and tablets such as an iPad are disappearing, because these new devices can now access wireless networks providing Internet connections virtually anywhere.
Mobile friendly web design respects the fact that processing power is still limited. Beginning with the single processor and moving into new dual processor technologies, near-laptop performance can be found in many mobile devices, and for a lower cost. It must still be said that iPhones cannot handle the same video and graphics requirements of a computer. They also have a resolution equivalent to 480X600 at best. IPhone friendly web design means keeping the page modest and airy, and with the ability to adjust to many different screen sizes. What would work on a full size desktop monitor, which is preset to a high resolution, would be a poor choice for mobile sites.
iPads have the similar viewing issues, with the exception that iPads are more considered dedicated entertainment devices for media consumption. Additionally iPad2 has astonishing processing capabilities. Since these devices will become more common, making company web site more accessible would be natural direction.
All this said, iPads still have small screens, and the user is forced to scroll. iPad friendly web design means using specific page design with a fluid layouts that take advantage of scrim orientations. This helps to reduce scrolling making pages aesthetically pleasing and visually right for consumers. It also helps if the page is airily designed with a lot of white space and can expand automatically to many different resolutions.