As a commentator in the article's comment system mentioned, tablets are amazing to consume content. Much much better than a laptop. So if all you do is look at stuff without contributing more than 10 words a day (typical Facebook user), which what like 99% of the world's population does, iPad is an order of magnitude better than a laptop. Both objectively and subjectively. Objectively, it has much better battery life, is easier to use, easier to carry around because it is lighter, more affordable etc...etc...Subjectively, it is more fun to use, cooler to own and more pleasant to look at. As subjective as these are, it seems to be shared by the overwhelming majority of the economically relevant population. If you visit an Apple store, you will see so many people inside buying iPads, you would think that they are giving it away for free.