<human>: Ok Reddit, I've got a problem with the ipad, the iphone, and generally with walled-garden software ecosystems in general. I feel like if I've bought the hardware, I should be able to run what I want on it.

I recognize that there are situations where running arbitrary code doesn't make a whole lot of sense, for example I don't feel a need to install programs on my thermostat, and don't *want* to have arbitrary code running on the computer that controls my car. With these exceptions, though, I feel that if a device has the hardware capability to be a general purpose computing device, and I would benefit from being able to run whatever program I want to on it, and the only reason I cannot run arbitrary code is software crippling, then that product is actively contributing to the loss of true computer literacy (since that includes the ability to write basic programs), the erosion of consumer rights, and is generally a bad thing.

My loving boyfriend has pointed out that these criteria could also apply to video game consoles. While I like playing games with him, I'm now backed into a corner - either I have to accept that game consoles are evil by my definitions above and stop buying games, or be a hypocrite and have a problem with the ipad but not the ps3, or accept the ipad and walled-garden systems as not being the bad things that I feel they are.

What do you think reddit? Is there a problem with my reasoning, or is it time to put away the controllers and sell my games?

Can you succinctly summarize the text in 1-3 sentences?
<bot>: I don't like closed software systems like the ipad, game consoles are closed systems, is it hypocritical to not give up gaming?