I'm a power user. I need a real computer, with lots of storage for my mobile work. When I visit a client, I have to have with me every tool in my arsenal, just in case. It's very unprofessional to say to the client, "Yes, I know what your problem is, and I can fix it, but I have to go back and get the right software tool to do so."
That's why I carry one of several laptops. I bought them all from eBay for less than $200 each, and upgraded the hell out of them. I have one for XP, one for VISTA (for one client), three for Windows 7 (Pro, Ultimate, & Enterprise), and two for Windows 8, & 8.1.
They are each clearly labeled on the bottom, as to what they are, and are kept on a multi-charger of my own design when not in use. They all have the maximum ram, and 1TB hard drives full of software diagnostics, and tools. They each also have a half dozen USB keys (ranging form 8 GB's to 64 GB's).
I also keep a few 4 TB external hard drives, just in case I have to back up a client's computer before I start to work on it.
I need all that, because in many cases, I'm dealing with old hardware that I sold to them years ago. I have been trying to drag them, kicking and screaming, off of XP, and VISTA to Windows 7. One client even made the plunge, and upgraded their whole office to Windows 8. Hence my Windows 8 & 8.1 laptops.
I admit, it would be convenient to be able to use a tablet instead of a laptop, but as yet the specs just aren't there. The biggest SSD I can get in a tablet is 250 MB, not nearly what I need to carry my tool kits.
Then there's Linux. On my laptops I can duel boot to Linux if their computers are so badly screwed up that Windows is no longer an option. True, I always bring a Linux boot CD, & USB key so I can at least get into their systems. But I need a Linux partition on my laptops hard drive to hold all my Linux tools.
On a couple of occasions, I've had to take a dead computer, boot to Linux, and use my tool kit to completely rebuild their hard drives. And yes, I know there are Windows PE disks that do much of the same things. It's just that there is so much more Linux software available that do the things I need to do, and do them easier.
I have been reading about the new 3D SSD architecture, that will bring the cost of a 1 TB drive down to be compatible with standard hard drives, and I am very interested in that. Perhaps when that does make it to market, I will reconsider, but until then I can't see myself using anything less than a laptop.
Regards,
Mr. Windows