Yeah, once the kids are old enough that the majority of work is writing, iPads aren't great.

Can't you simply add a Bluetooth keyboard? I think cost is the major factor.

Still more expensive, still a smaller screen, a smaller and less able keyboard, still no mouse selection (e.g. a quick select these letters, copy and paste, takes much longer on an ipad), and you're now dealing with multiple parts and multiple batteries.

I don't really see the appeal over a Chromebook. iPads I'd love for e.g. reading books, watching course material videos (e.g. the Treehouse app for watching programming videos is wonderful until you get to the coding challenges) etc, but for doing work a keyboard makes the iPad a bit better but it doesn't come close to closing the gap to a Chromebook in my opinion.

Sure. But now you have a two part device, with more that can go wrong, and broadly speaking a worse typing experience.

There's something to be said for the stereotypical laptop form factor.

There sure is something to be said... They're horrible keyboards. We're going to give more kids RSI.

http://looknohands.me/

http://24ways.org/2014/dont-push-through-the-pain/

http://markmcb.com/2014/10/13/severe-hand-rsi-pain-and-recov...

We need more wireless ergonomic keyboards.

https://h4labs.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/the-model-01-an-heir...