Quote - That said, I have friends who jumped all over the netbook-tablet products and got rid of their laptops or desktops.

Unfortunately in the U.S. people have been "dumbed down" to smartphone apps.  The majority of the people who buy tablet products so that they can get rid of their laptop or desktop, probably don't realize that there are other types of software out there outside of MS Office and smartphone apps.   They are easy to spot because they can tell all about the different types of smartphone apps, but they will struggle to name just as many software titles designed to be used on a laptop or desktop.

Laptop and desktop computers will give you the most value for the dollar.  Tablets are good for their mobility and not much beyond that.  When it's time for some serious work to be done a  people will use a laptop or desktop.