Laptops fold because screen AND keyboard. iPad doesn't have keyboard, generally. If you're concerned about the iPad being damaged, then it should be in a case with a screen protector. No more issue. Folding it over actually causes damage to the screen, regardless of how Samsung or whoever tries to mitigate with hinges and flexible tech. It's just not going to work. If you have a bag that fits the iPad folded, generally it's going to fit it (better) unfolded. And no, I'd never just shove a laptop or iPad in a general piece of luggage. It's going to go in my carry on, in a protective bag, just like my dslr.I odont know about the pants pocket thing, is something you said!, I' dont think that would be something people wants either...
but having a device that size that is half size when folded, is something very useful, first, the screen is not exposed when carrying it around, the smaller size (not volume...) would make it fit better in smaller bags, a laptop bag is something maybe you are used to, but not me, and not many people I know that travel with the laptop w/o case straight into the luggage. You can do this with regular iPad, but the screen would be much more exposed to cracks.
why laptops fold??