Complete, go anywhere connectivity in a larger but very handy form factor. Very simple, almost brain-dead intuitive to use for the marginally computer literate, but extended via a large universe of apps, miniature applications, for a wide variety of surprising uses that have genuine utility, in both consumer and business realms. GPS built in, music player, laptop replacement ... the only thing it’s not is a cell phone, and there are those who use them for even that. It’s the ultimate portable platform with a screen large enough to be truly useful.
So, would you be ok with having an iPad without a laptop?