But with an iPad, unlike a laptop, I don’t HAVE to use the keyboard. It’s optional. I have a tablet when I want to use it for tablet apps, but when I want to type in Pages, I have a full keyboard that isn’t connected by a hinge, doesn’t screw with the ergonomic design of the iPad, and doesn’t add extra weight.

Together, my iPad 2 and Apple Wireless Keyboard weigh slightly less than my ASUS netbook did. Without the keyboard in my bag, the iPad is even lighter.

Another benefit that beats the hell out of a netbook/laptop: I can put the iPad (screen) anywhere, like on a stack of books on a desk at eye level, and leave the keyboard down at comfortable typing height. The screen and keyboard not being connected gives me more versatility and a more comfortable experience when typing long documents when I’m away from my desktop PC. I don’t have to look down at a screen that is half an inch from a little keyboard.

And that’s another thing. A netbook has tiny keys. The Apple Wireless Keyboard has full-sized keys. For me, that’s a huge benefit. I could go with a laptop, but why do that? I’ve got a killer desktop at home and don’t need another full computer (that weighs a lot more than the iPad).

And of course, the biggest benefit is battery life. My netbook got 4 hours on a full charge. My last full-sized notebook got about the same when I was conservative and running at low power. The iPad gets up to 10 hours when I’m just working in Pages, and for me that’s very beneficial. Sometimes I sit and type for a several hours at a time, and having to stop in the middle of my work because the battery is dying is not helpful.

It’s exactly the right amount of computer to replace a laptop when you already have a desktop that does everything, and having the option to use a keyboard is a GOOD thing. My only gripe is the lack of Bold, Italic, and Underline keystrokes in Pages, but perhaps Apple will fix that at a later date.