http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Apple-iPad-Driving-New-Interest-in-Tablet-PCs-Says-Report-403808/

"The main focus of media tablets is entertainment. A tablet will not replace a laptop, netbook or mobile phone,” Orr continued, “but will remain an additional premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years.”

Yep, that's the main thing the iPad announcement has done for me--get me stoked to see what else comes out.

They set the bar high IMO with the form factor, battery life and $500 starting price, so I can't wait to see what else comes out.

I agree that the prospect of the new tablets that will be created as a result of the iPad is the best thing about the iPad.

I do not agree that a tablet computer will never replace a netbook. In fact, I want a netbook in tablet format. My Samsung netbook is perfect, but is not the right form factor. Give me a netbook with no keyboard and with multi-touch please! Current battery life on my Samsung is about 7.5 hours, this is perfectly fine for me.