I could happily agree with you there, but the iPad is a small, highly constrictive device with limited processing power and a very small screen for what it is. It can only tolerate running one, maybe two apps at the same time with next to no moving between them.
The MS tablet concept looks like a scaled up iPad, but I doubt that MS would be stupid enough to take something so big and make it a "ONE TASK AT A TIME!" machine like Apple has with the iPad. That alone will open doors.
Still, you're talking about using sticks to draw in the sand. Object interactivity plays a huge role in it, and even then you will be sorta limited because there are still going to be people that spend a lot of time drawing and can't do it at a large flat table in front of a bunch of people. Although.. they might be able to *shrug*
I will agree that the future of computers does not necessarily entail keyboards and mice, but I don't believe the iPad is completely there yet. To be honest, I think it's the modern equivalent of a 286 or the original Macintosh. It can do things that are cool, but in 10-20 years we'll be laughing at its capabilities.
That is, I hope! Notice the problem is you're talking about work environments and commercial environments. My qualm with the iPad is it's geared entirely at "CONSUMERS". Notice the big difference there?
I agree though, there are many places where a keyboard and mouse get in the way - it's still somewhat laughable to say we've reached the point that a computer is unnecessary to create quality material though.