So back to my point.... why NOT Android as a replacement tablet/laptop. (assuming you go with a dock-able device like ASUS Transformer series)

Even legacy software isn't an argument when you consider the CPUs. Something I completely didn't think of earlier.

Basically, you're back to square one with whatever has been pushed out to the companies respective stores and so far iOS and Android have pretty much anything you could really want and is expected to only continue to exponentially grow. While Win7/8 devices are still playing catchup.

Me? I'd only consider a win8 tablet/laptop device if it was seamless between it and my home desktop. I think that is where MS wants to go, but then I'm still giving up the massive personalization I get through Google and Android. Meaning, I'll probably continue moving solely to Google and over the next year as they continue to merge ChromeOS/GoogleTV/Mobile all into one single Android build... I'll just live in that world.

I still don't see a reason why the mass consumer couldn't be perfectly happy with an Android tablet/laptop. As it keeps progressing, Windows is becoming unimportant. Seems like Google will eventually do what Apple and Linux never could. (Granted Apple is tremendous in its own right and Android is essentially a Linux build) lol.

Well I know Ryan loves his Kindle Fire. Check that out! Also I heard the Galaxy Tab's are quite nice, not sure on the price though, you'll have to head over to BestBuy to check them all out.

They'll be thicker and more power hungry than their ARM counterparts, that we can agree on, but I think manufacturers will be able to create compelling hardware still. We still haven't seen what they can do with Ivy Bridge for example.

You're right in that we are judging it before it releases.

But, specifically, what software do you use on Windows you can't use on Android?

I've seen Android run kb/ms, and its perfect just like with touch. So interface isnt' an issue.

Gaming I've already touched so, please don't mention Games for Windows.

I've also agreed for specific tool sets like CAD or programming, Android still can't do that stuff.

So for the typical mass consumer and possibly yourself, what are you unable to use?

It's not so much about stuff that isn't ultimately doable in Android (because everything ultimately is, it's just a matter of time), but about how things are in the here and now (or october, based on W8 release rumors). Also, I have next to no knowledge about the newest state of Android kb+m affairs, so please do correct me if I'm wrong about something.

For personal use, I'm a programmer, so (as you mentioned) IDEs are a no go on Android right now.

For mass consumers, I think the library they already have is the most important part. I know you mentioned games, but the availability of games on Android doesn't change that many gamers already own a few games they will want to continue playing. I know I'd want my Steam library to carry over now that the option is there.

I also imagine that file management isn't at the same level on Android as it is on Windows, not to mention support for external devices like DVD drives, digital cameras, printers, scanners (the ones that can't be connected to through the web at least) and whatever else you might want to plug in to your computer/tablet/device.

Plus I just think the Windows 8 interface is better.

Ultrabooks start at $1,000, don't include a touchscreen and aren't designed to come apart. They also come with about half the battery life of a good tablet and a noisy fan. I'll believe in thin, light, quiet, long-lasting and reasonably priced x86 tablets when I see one.

kb/ms is the same as is file structure. So there's no loss there.

IDEs and such, yeah, you're definitely out of luck and in all honesty, they'd want the technology leading desktops or really high end laptops anyways.

As for games... this one is harder. RIGHT NOW, you're absolutely right and Windows8 device should be better, however, I don't think Win8 tablets will have CD drives, so it would have to be digital based stuff too. However, Steam is coming to Android and Google already stated a few weeks go that their next large move with Android is a singular gaming focus. Probably similar to how they handled books, movies, and music. Then considering the growth of the technology and all this will occur by end of 2012 or beginning of 2013 and you'll have the exact same gaming experience. Including bluetooth controllers, since you can do that now.

As for other devices like printers and external drives.. you can already do that now. Even through cloud with Google products. I can print something from my phone while I'm at work on my printer at home if its on and connect to my network (which it is) with no PC in the loop. Almost any new phone and tablet also has a way to do HDMI out so you can connect to larger screens and any Android based device also has USB out/in for pretty much anything else imaginable....all right now.

As for you preference to Win8...well I guess you just have bad taste. :P jk, I like the Metro look as well. But, with Android I can throw a new launcher on my device and make it look like anything I want. I can have it mimick iOS, Metro, or anything else for that matter. :) Personalization is king!

I have an answer:

Get nothing. Just don't waste your money on a tablet.

BAM! Just saved a total stranger $500.

1) Just to clarify, by Steam coming to Android, you're referring to the companion app that was released on Android and iOS a little while ago? Because that's the only thing I've ever heard of that, and I don't think Valve would move into selling mobile games right now. I don't doubt that Google will make a gaming push though, that would only be natural.

2) I know, hence why I made the clause about Internet enabled devices in my post. There is a lot of equipment standing around that doesn't have this functionality however, so is it still possible to connect directly with Android devices for them? 

Legacy, legacy, legacy...

And hey, mimicking is all fine and dandy, but why not get the real deal? I know what you're getting at though, I'm currently building a custom launcher for Android as a part of my semester project at my university, and I have to say I think Google has done really well with the Android structure, it's quite clever. Which is also why I'm quite happy Microsoft is bringing a similar system to the new Metro apps, and although you can't replace the launcher (but I think it's awesome as it is, so that's officially irrelevant :D), the fact that apps are now much better able to communicate is an immense improvement over the old system.

I never said they'd be cheaper or better than ARM tablets, I just said there'll be compelling hardware, which I still believe is true. It will have tradeoffs, but it will offer something worthwhile as well I believe.