[SoothingDave]

near instant access to all media (newspapers, magazines, books, movies, video, audio, web, email, etc.)

What computer attached to the internet doesn't have that?

My daughter's netbook from Dell does that, and at about half the price.

[RegulatorCountry]

What computer attached to the internet doesn't have that?

Think about what that has meant up to this point. What is being merged, here?

[SamAdams76]

Yes, but the major difference is that the iPad can go with you everywhere. The couch, the bathroom, the backyard, the beach, the car, the plane, etc.

Yes, you can technically take the laptop all of those places but if you plan to use the laptop more than two hours, you need to lug a charger and have a place to plug it in. The iPad will run all day on a single charge which makes it much more portable and convenient. Plus it's instant on and easier to handle.