Maybe the tablet will replace the cell phone? Maybe the tablet will replace the laptop?

From a form factor perspective the tablet is a pain to carry as a principle communications device.  Something nice and small that can fit your pocket is preferable - that is the cell phone.

From a form factor perspective, the tablet is easier to carry around then a laptop.  Tablets are also lighter in weight than laptops - a real plus.  I have seen people use tablets with keyboards that are plugged in.  I have asked those users if the tablet is better than a laptop.  The answers I have gotten run from yes because it is lighter in weight than a laptop to it works faster than their laptop. No, this is not a scientific survey; it is me simply striking up a conversation with a person working on their tablet while sitting in an airport.

One interesting response I heard from someone was they were struggling with whether or not they should buy an ultrabook or a tablet.  That is an interesting view.  This person told me that the tablet was not as powerful (computing perspective) than a tablet and hence would not meet their needs.  Seemed like an open and shut case then this person reminded that every couple of months the processing power and speed of the ultrabooks and tablets keeps increasing.  

The point I am making is that technology changes so rapidly that form factors can change to the point where the tablet may end up with a built physical keyboard that can slide in and out of the tablet's case.  Hence those who like the kepyboard of the laptop get it.  Hence, the tablet looks like a laptop.  Then, while those who like the GUI keyboard can still use a keyboard but it’s a GUI board; and hence it device still looks like a tablet.  The tablet of last year has less power than the latest ultrabook.  The tablet of this year has more power than the ultrabook of last year.

The laptops of 4 years ago were being hailed as mini-books when they were first conceived and ow we call them laptops while smaller laptops are called ultrabooks. 

Basically I am saying that packaging has a lot to do with how we perceive a product.

Maybe one day the differences between the laptop, tablet, and cell phone will completely disappear and we end up with a brand new product.

	PJLouis
	1/11/2012 edit