Got my first tablet, ipad2, about two years ago and was really impressed with the touch interface. How cool would this be for a user interface for lab instruments like oscillosopes, spectrum analysers, logic analysers etc. no more buttons and knobs, better screen resolution and you can carry it around in your backpack or pocket if it's a 7 inch tablet. Just add the bench instrument, hook up a USB cable and you're done.
The initial enthusiasm didn't last long, no native app development, although we now have procoding and codea, no bluetooth serial port protocol and no USB ports. A lack of foresight on Apple's part I think.
Apple have lost a customer and Android have gained one, especially now that you can develop with Basic4Android and perhaps some Java for libraries. OK so there might not be much Android supported hardware out there but it's early days.
Chris