[xyzzy21]

For some things it's definitely possible. For "basic editing/writing" it's plenty good enough for Linux applications that aren't super compute hogs. Which is actually most things that everyday people use computers for. It's only a few niches that truly need more.

There are all the normal issues of "desktop linux".

They are useful for a lot of "portable computer" applications that would normally be assigned to laptops. For example as a controller to talk to the physical world like weather stations, 3D printers, etc.