http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi The ultimate in cheapo computing. 700mhz processor (supported overclock to 1ghz thus far), 500mb SDRAM, 2 usb, RCA video, RCA audio, HDMI w/audio, ethernet, SD slot (which acts as the harddrive).Powered by mini-usb. Mine is running off of an 8v phone charger. Currently running Debian Linux on mine and I am using it as an HTPC with my extra tv. $35... and its the size of a credit card.
Home Theater PC. What do you do with? Everything. I repurposed an old laptop and use an app on my phone for a remote. I barely miss cable. As for you daughter going off to college, the laptop is the way to go. Tablets are not a viable replacement for word processing and such. I refuse to spend that much money on a laptop, much less a laptop in a controlled system. I don't need an Apple laptop to be cool, though.
I think apple is over price and any amount of small research can be done in finding a better lower cost solution that runs circles. I also hate the "experience of smug" apple stores. I am biased obviously!
They are overpriced obviously. But for people who don't build pcs or want the hassle of picking the flavor of the day they do their job well and simplify the worry.
I will admit Apple makes things VERY easy. My wife can work an Iphone but has had a brain-fart with her new Android.
Im a tech freak and the new Samsung can be as complicated as you want it to be. It's just a little super computer. iPhone much easier once you are comfortable with it but of course much more limited. I like both. I like my ipad.
