The main reason tablets never took off is that tablets are supposed to be a lot more convenient for on-the-go use than notebook computers, but in practice, they aren't. Their size and the fact that they can't be used one-handed means that you give up a lot of the functionality of a notebook for not much more convenience. Shrinking technology and improved touch-screen interfaces have alleviated that problem but actually narrowed the niche even further, because now tablets have to find a space between notebooks and iPhones.<p>Also, his "3. Input systems" should just say "3. Pens." Microsoft's opinion, which I would normally respect because they have done a lot of work to support tablets, be damned. Stylus-based input seems really awesome until you try it. Even as pointing-and-dragging devices, they're inconvenient. Take them out (with your <i>other</i> free hand), use them, put them back, and make sure you don't drop them down a grate. What a hassle.<p>I'm expecting, and kind of dreading, Apple proving me wrong and persuading me to part with $600.