Dead On...
Excellent point to focus upon the need for a meaningful input device.
For the NON-BELEIVERS I recommend that that make a trip to Staples, Walmart, etc. and spend up to an hour using one of the newer All-In-One touch screen desktop computer. The trill of the touch screen dissipates very rapidly and it proves totally impractical for many applications. This does relate to the iphones, android, and tablets too.
There are several other hardware shortcomings with any of the products that is less than the full up laptop.
I know size and portability are a common complaint/issue, but that is easier to find your own workaround than it is trying to generate a trip report on a table that must be in to the boss tomorrow morning!
Just some thoughts... I completely agree with TsarNikky!!!