Someday, touchscreen devices like this will be what people consider a "laptop."
fingertop? handtop? The big problem for handheld touchscreen devices is that you are holding as well as interacting with it simultaneously. Small devices such as phones are light and with multiple fingers, some can be used for input while others hold it. This no longer holds true for larger devices. Thus there is an inherent limitation compared to laptops. Laptops (notebooks) will thus not die, because they are ergonomically more conducive to productive work in more formal settings.
The iPad and its many successors and competitors, are casual computers. Predominantly media and internet consumption devices. They do not replace laptops, because laptops have effectively replaced desktops, and no-one can seriously suggest that a handheld slate can replace a desktop any time soon.
This is a new category that is not going to go away, and is not going to replace any particular current capacity. In fact, I predict the big losers are not going to be phones, laptops, or desktops. Instead, the big losers are dedicated media players, ie. iPod nano and iPod Touch. The iPod Classic is already relegated to niche use.
Check out Apple's latest (record) revenue figures. iPod sales are declining rapidly, and they will fade to background very quickly. The touch is of course the exception. iPods will only be purchased for niche applications, such as working out.
The iPad is the replacement of the iPod.
I don't mean it does the same things. I mean it will occupy the same mind share. It is the must have gadget. Remember when iPod nanos were the must have gadget?
iPad also "multitasks" (sorry) by competing in other emerging markets (ebooks) and web appliances (remember the internet fridge?)
I for one do not want to welcome our new Apple overlords.
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