[forensic]

There is no reason to force yourself to one solution.

I have access to this setup, but also to multiple laptops, desktops, tablets, phones. I use what works for the situation.

When does the ipad+keyboard shine?

When you don't have easy access to wifi, but can get 3g.

When you don't have power. iPad battery life is awesome.

When you want to have a tablet with you for reading, drawing, notating.

When you want your keyboard to be detached from your screen to have a more comfortable position. (e.g. you can put the keyboard on your lap, or even offset the screen while having the keyboard in front of you. Many possible configurations)

When you want the above features, but don't want to have to carry a backpack or some kind of bulky bag to fit a laptop or convertible laptop+tablet or carry around a few different devices.

The iPad is a very general purpose device. A lot of people are saying, "Just use a laptop" and completely missing the point. The author is specifically using this setup for 3g+battery life.