odd many people consider an ipad the same as any other tablet.
(ipad is a tablet but not all tablets are an ipad)
Some products become so iconic they enter the lexicon of the language. . . and the product name becomes the category. Kleenex tissue comes to mind as people started saying pass the kleenex as well as Scotch tape. . .Even Google's trade mark is quickly becoming a verb, "Would you google that for me?" or "I googled it and here is what I learned about TseTse flies." It won't be long before it's gone lexiconic. In fact, i would not be surprised if it hasn't already been added to the OED.
Owners of Trademarks have to defend militantly against such usages or their Trademarks become mere words. . . and as such they lose them into the lexicon and any competitor can use them. Then it would be perfectly legal for Samsung to sell the Samsung iPad. . . Not Good.
It's funny how how all these non-Apple companies are missing the point of what Apple is doing. Apple is making products that work well with each other, to provide a seamless experience accessing your data no matter what you're using. A hybrid product misses the boat. The iPad is different than a laptop computer, and that is different than a desktop tower. Microsoft trying to push a hybrid Windows Surface tablet/laptop is like Detroit pushing the Simpsons Car - does any one thing poorly while trying to provide multiple options.
Look at the automobile industry for a comparison. The most popular sports cars are limited in those features offered in SUVs, and vice versa. You combine them and you get a lemon. I own a truck, sports car and a sedan, and enjoy each for what it does and does well. Surface will go the way of the Zune - used by declining numbers of MS fans.