gut;1187210 wrote:I actually need a computer - went with a laptop. My IPad collects mostly dust and I wouldn't have it if work didn't pay for it. I could certainly afford one, but I would just be wasting my money. Most people can't - or shouldn't - afford to waste their money. The number of people living paycheck-to-paycheck buying these devices of limited utility is kind of sad, really.
A laptop, tv and stereo all have relatively specific functions/uses, and do it well. A tablet is a poor substitute for all 3.
Paired with a keyboard case, the iPad is very functional. I've used it to type documents and emails. It's smaller than my laptop and more functional than a terrible netbook.
I use Netflix on it daily and there are actually some excellent games available as well.
Just because YOU as an individual do not find it useful doesn't mean others don't.
I also use it as my extensive photo and home movie catalog, especially with the iPhoto and iMovie apps.
Just recently, Codea released an app for the iPad that lets you develop full games. Cargobot was made using that app and it's one of the top free games in the app store. Diet Coda also released an iPad app for web development.
Depending on what you use a laptop for, the iPad could most certainly replace it. Obviously that statement does not hold true for serious power users, but for most everyone else it does.
The days are getting closer to tablets matching the efficiency of laptops.