I have been using webapps for said tasks more and more. Many tasks performed using a webapp do not yet have compelling advantages. But soon they will get them, I think. To name a bold example, http://C9.io: Not yet bringing many compelling advantages, but the tipping point is close.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I can't stand using a webapp for something that should be a desktop app. I just don't get the responsiveness I need. It's like using Photoshop without a mouse.
I had that experience a few years ago, when javascript execution engines where not optimized yet for speed. Today, I have the same experience with apps built using flash, where there is an annoying delay when hovering/clicking. A mature webapp running on a fast javascript engine does not give me any noticable delay. The "feel" is just the same as a native app.
c9 has one big advantage - before I was granted admin privileges at work, it allowed me to get started with some node work without having to install anything.