The new Apple iPad may be a game-changer:

• An iPad would encourage me to change how my personal email at shawnreed.com is served.
• An iPad may encourage me to change how my Linux Servers are accessed.
• An iPad could potentially retire my iPod Classic.
• An iPad likely would support all of the activities that my heavy 17 in. personal laptop does for me.
• An iPad might raise awareness of Safari-compatibility on my websites.

There are plenty of reasons that netbooks will continue to make worthwhile alternatives. As the iPhone proved, great applications make for pleasing experiences. A linux-based netbook will still make for a better (and safer) user experience, but it may not be enough.