The thing is, since it's not happening to everyone using a PC or laptop with Windows, whatever is happening isn't in the forum's system - it's something outside of the forum, so I have no idea what it could be.
Though one thing I can definitely rule out is the latest Java update for Windows because I installed that update last week and everything still works fine for me...
The only thing I can say is that apparently when I checked the SMF Web site, looking for problems with the "new" icon and an iPad/iPhone was too narrowing now that we know it can happen with a PC and Windows, so when I get the chance I'll do another search...