[tfincannon]

There is no reason that iPad software won't be as sophisticated as current desktop applications like Excel. What makes iPad really interesting to me is that we may be able to invent new ways to interact with software. The iWork (Numbers) demo in the iPad keynote shows some possibilities directly relevant to your point about Excel.

http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/1001q3f8hhr/event/inde... [starts at 1:05:40]

[Zak]

There is no reason that iPad software won't be as sophisticated as current desktop applications like Excel.

Yes there is. Apple seems pretty intent on keeping their policy of forbidding interpreters, plug-ins, virtual machines and the like. To really be as sophisticated as Excel, a program must include a scripting language and extension mechanism. That's not to say that a spreadsheet without those features isn't just as useful to most users, but it certainly isn't as sophisticated.

Apple may, of course ignore the rules it requires third-party developers to live under when building its own software.

[chrischen]

> There is no reason that iPad software won't be as sophisticated as current desktop applications like Excel.

Only if you consider the fact that both are computers and theoretically capable of running any arbitrary code.

Also factor in the new way of using a computer (via touchscreen). Will that work out? Consider the fact that Apple has a tight control on apps and development. How will the amount of innovation fostered by each system compare?

When you consider those things, you'll realize the argument is not on whether or not the iPad is capable of replacing the software but on whether or not the iPad's design and platform can be a viable alternative to the way we use computers. Because, theoretically any computer is capable of replicating software capabilities.

Consider the Mac vs PC battle. The Mac is capable of doing pretty much everything your PC does, but why does it have less market penetration? Consider the various factors to that.