In the main, that's exactly what these devices are... arm candy / bragging rights / (insert phrase here). However, there are a few specific applications where these devices are superior to traditional (or even netbook) laptop alternatives.

In my company's case (rural electrical utility), we have two examples. First, our Linemen need a device to receive their service and tasking orders, perform a minor bit of data entry, and pull maps for various reasons. The second case is our CEO, he requires a compact, Highly portable, lightweight device in order to make presentations and take notes with at the various meetings and forums he attends across the state.

In both cases, you'll note that content CREATION is definitely NOT the focus, consumption is. Tablets are excellent consumption devices, I believe that is almost universally accepted today. What creation is required is extremely lightweight and can be accomplished with either the onscreen or a $50 bluetooth keyboard.

As to our first use case, I can already hear somebody screaming about the fragility of these devices versus a Panasonic Toughbook or it's many competitors. I grant you that, yes, even with an Otterbox or similar protection, there's simply no comparison on durability between the two types of devices. Here's the kicker: I can get 6 tablets for the cost of a single Toughbook. In that case, WHO CARES if they drop one or roll over it with a line truck? Toss it and pull out another. It falls down to this: for the cost of outfitting 2 trucks with Toughbooks, I can put a tablet in EVERY ONE of my lineman's hands!