Good points. I personally think the amount you can't do from tablets will continue to shrink, and if you were starting out fresh, you could get a wireless print

Good points. I personally think the amount you can't do from tablets will continue to shrink, and if you were starting out fresh, you could get a wireless printer so you're ready without a PC. But yes, today, it's only possible to use an iPad as your only computer if you don't ever have more demanding needs. Still, for writing and reading, it's excellent. I write 1,000+ word essays on mine all the time, and love the fact it's so portable and can be used in almost any position. Maybe a tablet like you describe won't be too far off ... Just so it has as good of battery life an portability as the iPad!