Conclusion: iPad wins. As an experiment the MacBook was left behind; lid closed and shutdown for an entire week. The objective was to lighten and reduce the shear number of devices and peripherals loading my computer bag. The test was to determine whether there would be withdrawal symptoms. There were none. As far as media usage is concerned the iPad holds its own. The iPad can be my new go-with device.

List of pleasant surprises: No more range anxiety. The battery in the MacBook was good for 3 hours tops. At times I would have to carry a spare battery to hot swap. The iPad can go all day on a charge. No more searching for an unused wall plug-in socket which can be scarce in older hotel rooms and many airport terminals. Easier, faster scan in the TSA line. Laptops have to come out of the bag to ride the conveyor belt. The iPad is exempt. Once on the airline, the iPad is less obtrusive. Try using a laptop within the cramped confines of a coach class seat especially after the passenger in the row forward reclines his/her seat-back. The iPad is quiet. No whirring fans and does not get hot. Boot time is instantaneous. No waiting. Nice form factor, very portable, less geeky.

Disclaimer: This post was typed on a full size keyboard and a Mac. Correct; the iPad keyboard is not useful for anything beyond a short email burst. It is a two finger hunt and peck. Don’t plan on using the device for creating Spreadsheets or anything. The iPad is designed for consumption and at that it excels.

The iPad may seem like a “tweener” but in many respects it shares the characteristics and functionality of the iPhone and the MacBook and is therefore not a necessary addition. However, after using it for extended duration I can report that the laptop has been eclipsed.