OK, with all the who-har about Apple launching a tablet, and with Microsoft/HP showing off theirs, I thought I’d ask the question no-one seems to be asking. Why?

Let’s think about this for a second.

1. Tablets have no keyboard, and as far as I know, the computer world, even with Windows 7 and MacOSX have not got the point where we can live without one. Yes software keyboards do work (I have a HD2, and works well on that), but they will all have the same issues as the iPhone/Windows Phone devices have, Screen Real Estate. Half the screen will be gone while the keyboard is visible. Surely a netbook would not only be cheaper, but more useful here if all you want to do is browse the net and read email?
2. Portable Media, The tablets are all based around the same technologies as netbooks, so we know that 1080p is out (even if screen res supported it) and probably 720p for that matter (screen res again). And if you want a PMP, then there are plenty of good ones around (like the Arcos) that even do a bit of internet and email, that’s forgetting the HTC HD2’s and iPhones of the world.
3. Notepad/Scribble concept, these too are shot nowadays with capacitive screens as your finger, no matter how small/thin it is is never going to be as good at this sort of thing as a stylus is. However multitouch is a ‘must have’ now, and that’s only available (easily) on capacitive displays. So another bust.
4. Portability, come on, it’s more portable than an NC10? my wife put’s her NC10 in her handbag, and if you want portable get a HD2/iPhone.
5. Power, these are thin little ‘cosmetic’ devices, there not going to have massive battery time, simple as that. Most of the NC10’s weight comes from it’s battery.
6. OS’s, until the Apple announcement comes out we have no idea what OS their device will run, however it’s been rumoured to be a supersized version of the iPhone OS, and that means all that platform’s problems. The Windows 7 devices run the baby version of the OS, so at least it’s ‘fullish’ featured.

So, why is everyone getting so het up over these things? I really am at a loss to work out what they will be used for besides bragging rights. The Windows based ones (as long as ram is upgradable) could conceivably be upgraded to Premium versions of the OS, and then get used for Micro Media Centers, but that’s an expensive way to have telly in the bath.

Am I missing something? but as far as I can see, a Laptop/Netbook is not only going to be cheaper, but a damn site more useful as a device.