Larry, in my view, the iPad makes up for any apparent lack of "viewable" screen area by having probably the crispest, brightest display around.

If you read my post you would have seen I WAS using a 12" laptop tablet, but the iPad is better, PLUS for when on stage, it does not have the big form factor of either a full laptop or a tablet laptop. SO looks better from an audience pov..

ymmv, but seriously, before you discount the iPad, physically use one and check it out. You may be surprised!!

Dennis