You could be famous!
640k is more than enough ...
7 computers is all the world will need ...
Funny.
Bill Gates' classic line about RAM requirements was based on tech evolution - the notion that programs would become more advanced without becoming more "hungry'. Did you ever wonder why we had such powerful applications as HyperCard, QuickDraw, and even Paint Shop with such small amounts of RAM, yet every new application seems to eat more and more of it? Inefficient code. In simpler times, Apple Macintosh System 7 fit on a bunch of floppies. But the reality is that more people keep throwing a bunch of features into their OS - and the greater majority go unused. How many people use "Grab" in Mac OS?
Your second line,
never proven to have been spoken by Thomas J. Watson, is not only misquoted (the old wives' tale is that he said there market for maybe 5 computers...not 7) was based on what he knew of at the time as a "Computer". In his day, there was no World Wide Web, no email, no public BBBs. In fact internet access wasn't even a glint in someone's eye. He was dealing in a world where telegraphs were still common. He never lived to see the super computers that powered the early scientific analytics and government internals. By the time he was in older age, the notion of "computing" was starting to become more and more of a reality, and it was assumed that people would not spend mass amounts of money for the computers. It was so new, so as-yet-unknown that it was not fathomable that people would be able or willing to afford computers.
To use an analog, when Circuit City first started pushing flat panel plasma screens at 40 inches and larger, they were $15,000. That was in the late 90's. It took YEARS to get them down to a palatable price point.
My statement about tablets is based on straight up logic. The keyboard is quite probably the most intuitive device created for computing requirements. It is NOT practical to sit there attempting to tap on a touch screen to write up pages and pages of dissertations or books or journals. Until a screen can come out that can somewhat replicate the tactile feedback of a standard keyboard, it won't happen.
You also are missing out on a critical, oft overlooked consideration: disabled. If I'm blind, there's no way I can function with a tablet alone, even with all of the accessibility settings in the world (and iPad is lacking in that area, mind). However, I can purchase a Braille keyboard and, with the assistance of Windows' built in accessibility options, I can function nearly as well as one who has perfect eyesight. THAT is the power of full computing.
I know what you'll say. "but you can pair any Bluetooth keyboard to the iPad!!!" yes, and the iPad can't do anything to help the user. It requires hardware AND software - software that Apple lacks at this point.
Beyond that we have numerous limitations - specific to iPad - that people use.
Photographers need SOMETHING, be it Compact Flash, SD Card, ExpressCard, etc. to move their photos efficiently. If all I have is an iPad, I'm stuck if my camera does not support wireless.
Printers cannot be set up from a Non-Full-OS tablet. Neither can copy machines. Neither can fax machines. Non-Full-OS Tablets cannot use fax machines in the first place. Don't give me the "but you can use Citrix!!!" nonsense. Citrix requires a server which is a computer.
Non-Full-OS tablets cannot join domains properly. No domain = no domain policy, thus no security.
Non-Windows Tablets cannot support proper encryption. I'm talking about controlled encryption with certificates issued from a central authority and managed from a domain controller. Key for health care.
Non-Full-OS tablets cannot install software.
From what I recall, iPads do not support domain wipe policies. At least Android has a function for this (Device Administrator) though it's fairly easy to bypass...the point is that they at least are TRYING to give functionality to administrators. Computers support remote wipe in Windows 7 Enterprise and there are third party software options on just about every other OS.
Non-Full-OS tablets cannot join Ethernet networks. Don't give me this "Wireless is everywhere!!!!" that's not the point. In a secure work environment they may not allow wireless access. Ethernet, especially Gigabit Ethernet, is standard and accepted in every business, and any devices must support it. It gives an additional level of control.
Non-Windows tablets cannot pass any sort of DOD security clearance requirements.
Non-Full-OS tablets cannot provide fine drawing capabilities ala Wacom.
Non-Windows tablets cannot provide detailed AutoCad or SolidWorks object manipulation.
Non-Full-OS tablets cannot properly run VGA-based projectors on their own.
iPads specifically have less of a chance surviving a drop than a comparable Lenovo Thinkpad or even the Asus Eee Slate.
...do I really need to go on or have I made my point?
