And if you want proof that the form factor was the right one, the proliferation of iPad cases with built in physical keyboards should answer that question.

FORBES: The Netbook Is Dead, Long Live The Netbook

In the US, traditional incumbents are beginning to move from physical retailing to e-commerce, but most retain a heavy cost footprint in brick-and-mortar form factor.

FORBES: Pre-Tail, E-Tail, to Retail: The New Commerce Pipeline