I'm not sure I understand. They're balancing a tablet on their lap with a kickstand? How is that sleek, well-designed, or convenient?

Yes, but you do generally need a case anyway -- modern glass screens are reasonably sturdy, but they can be broken.

The surface has a case that doubles as a keyboard, but if you need the kickstand without a keyboard you have to remove it entirely (or so it seemed from the keynote). That's a pain -- it's one of my most common uses of the iPad with smart cover.