It's hard for me to see someone who grew up around computers switching to today's tablets. Producing anything (even a simple email) is radically faster on a computer. Consumption is even faster on a computer (key bindings, indirect input that doesn't block the screen) and more comfortable, at least while sitting down (head positioning). For the old market it seems like they could benefit from something like a chrome book just as well -- a really dumbed down computer where you don't need to install things, have windows, or anything us hackers tend to expect computers to do.
Not sure about that. I know lots of people under 40 years old who can't touch type. Hunting & pecking on a multi-touch keyboard is no worse than a physical keyboard. Probably better thanks to predictive typing and universal spell-check.
Speaking from personal experience. I use my Macbook Air at work and to do heavy duty document writing/coding, and my Macbook Pro for recording music and photo post processing.
At home or on the move, when I don't need to be VPNed in, a lot of time is spent on the iPad for browsing, magazine/news reading, email, document reading, etc (admittedly I read books more on the Kindle). It's the form factor and easy touch experience that I really like.
I think at netbook sales have gone down a lot (and that used to be the "hot" trend in PC sales before that because they were so cheap). That would sound logical as many people wanted a netbook as a "couch PC", and the iPad fits better in this setting.
I know at least one couple personally that has said they don't use their laptop anymore.