Although accepted, it doesn't change the fact that typing on a virtual keyboard is still kind of terrible. It is rare to find a user who thinks that virtual keyboards are better for lengthy emails than a blackberry. On the other hand, the versatility of a 4 inch touch screen and thin device more than make up for that. But the typing still sucks.
The day when I have signal in the Subway, don't have to pay for signal on an airplane, or have 100% reliable signal on interstates are far into the future. These are very common use cases for my iPod use.
Apple tends to adopt early to help whatever they are adopting come to fruition earlier. Ie get the public used to something and they will... Get used to it. For example, the minimalist interface. Before the iPhone or even the classic more buttons was considered "better". Apple has long adopted that the less buttons the better. Even the click wheel itself is the predecessor to the tough screen. Think about the MacBook air and it's lack of optical drive. It's merely a step towards disk less software ie apps you download... Much like mp3s have done away with the CD.
Now think about Siri and the dictate to text. It's not quite there yet but they are trying to get us away from being bound by a keyboard. You just talk to it and it happens.
There was an old ad that apple did where the computer wasn't a physical thing you had to sit at anymore. It was a personal assistant you talked to like a human personal assistant and it featured things that look like concepts that are VERY similar to Siri the touch screen and FaceTime. Let me find it.
Here it is. It was made in 1987.
http://youtu.be/hb4AzF6wEoc
This is the goal. In many ways we have surpassed it. In other ways we haven't... Yet.