I think Microsoft is headed in the right direction here. The biggest point, I think, is that all devices will have the same OS -- there's not an OS for phones, a separate OS for pads, one for tablets, one for netbooks, and one for desktops. What this means is that I will be able to have *one* computer, take it wherever I go, and when I need to do power computing, I can plug my phone or pad into a full-sized monitor (with or without touch capability), keyboard, mouse, and any other peripherals (such as a larger HDD), and do whatever I need to do. I think some streamlining needs to be done, and perhaps some ways to set up UI defaults based on where/how the device is docked, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Microsoft isn't known for getting the UI/UX right the first time, but I think it'll evolve into a very usable product.

Some would argue that a Dvorak keyboard is an improvement over QWERTY. Why hasn't it taken over? Simple - there is no real cry for an improvement.

Some would argue that Linux is an improvement over Windows. Why hasn't it taken over? Simple - there is no real cry for an imp.... Um...

Maybe it's just that QWERTY is the standard...