I think of my iPad as in "in between" device, it's not enough to replace a laptop for my 3D Max work, but it is enough to replace it for non-essentials, like browsing the web, playing games, storing contacts, e-mail, social networking, watching movies, taking notes, browse galleries of my 3d work, make calls, connect to my iMac to check out the iSight cam while it's on (for security purposes), well...okay so pretty much my iPad replaces more tasks I can do on a tablet, than I do on a laptop with one exception only - 3d studio max.
I do believe an iPad can replace a laptop for taking charge of peoples personal tasks, the non-essential reasons people would normally carry a laptop around for, but for things like 3dmax and Autocad, laptops/desktops will continue to dominate- that is, until a "full fledged" power tablet device that can handle high-end demanding software, with an intuitive interface (would be neat to see someone come up with a touch interface for 3dmax.) I'd be game for learning it.
As a side note; I have seen people in the medical profession using tablets, but they weren't iPads. (I don't know what they were using, but it was about the same size as an iPad (or nearly.)
I'm guessing there are a LOT of iPads out there, and from what I've read- they make a great time-sink for families, and a neat personal organizer and media device to carry around. (more comfortable than carrying a laptop around.) I can however, see them catching on as devices in the work place, without a doubt- but for the same price, as the highest end 3G iPad, you can get a really high-end laptop that can run $3,000 engineering software.
Funnily enough I use 3D modelling software also, and Photoshop etc.
It's just what suited.
Humans did not go though tens of thousands of years of evolution and learning to make tools that enabled us to do things otherwise impossible to go back to finger painting on cave walls, or like a baby does as it does not know how to use a brush yet
I can't see ever getting over that hurdle.
We have highly advanced brains and muscle control and excellent eyesight, and humans can use very find controls using the right tools.
Plonking your fat finger on a touch screen is just not going to cut it, unless you want to be zooming in and out all day long.
Yes, superb for some things, totally useless for other things.
Sorry Steve Jobs, but if you are EVER going to get a tablet to be useful for serious work, then you are going to have to make it usable with an optional fine tipped stylus.
Stevey Boy may not like it, or want to admit it, but nothing else it going to work.
There is no shame in a stylus, and it's only for some work.
Be all know you could fit a stylus inside the iPad's body, and pull it out to use say a Cad, or Modelling package on a Tablet.
You won't need it for playing games.
Perhaps you want to sign your name on screen, well then you would again use the stylus.
Or on an art program, you would use the Stylus as a brush, then place the stylus back in it's internal holder for wed browsing with your fingers again.
Really, it's obvious, you NEED to have both options, and they you have answered many of the problems that a touch screen brings.
I accept they need to work some more on the screen tech to be able to do this with a fine tipped stylus.
But please Steve, no silly childish comments about Stylus = Fail.
You are a grown man and know better than that.
Some software just is not suitable for a finger tip, and probably never will be.
