iPad vs. Notebook Computer

Will the desktop computer be considered as an purchase option more often now that the iPad is coming and will allow users to do most things for which they would have otherwise used a notebook? That is what a writer over at Wired's Gadget Lab thinks. It did get me thinking.

When I take my laptop off my desk, what am I using it for? Well, that depends on where I go with it. If I am just kicking back around the house, then yes, an iPad would be better. However, if I am leaving the house, I want my full computing arsenal with me because I may not be sure what I will be doing or will want to do while away. And, if I am leaving the house on a business trip, then I definitely want and need my notebook computer with me. But, the cost of a fully loaded 27" iMac compared to a MacBook Pro does have me thinking that I would like to get a desktop and a cheaper notebook for the occasional trip. Now I don't want an iPad at all. Why? I already will have a notebook that will serve the dual purpose of iPad device around the house and full computing device while away from the desktop (outside the home).

If anything, the iPad makes me want a cheaper notebook (preferably a cheap MacBook Air) and a beefier desktop while bypassing the iPad altogether. But ask me again when the Quad Core iPad with 2TB of storage space is released. I may change my mind then.