When it comes to gadgets and how useful (cost benefits) they are, it's always a personal choice imo.
I can honestly say that our iPad has proved to be a far better gadget acquisition than anything else.
Forget brands, but the tablet has surprised me in it's capabilitiy.

I don't see it as a replacement for laptop or desktop.
I see it as an extremely versatile and convenient piece of technology.

It even saved me getting an updated Kindle. Just add the Kindle app to the device. Simples.

These tablets are not cheap. You really need to know and feel the value.
If you can't then the purchasing decision is simply down to 'want it'. And there's always a place for that in all of us. (if we're honest)

Just my two centavos