I don't watch videos or play games very much, one thing I need to use my laptop for is autocad, I know there is an application that runs autocad on the ipad, but I'm not sure quite what it can do and autocad is much easier to use with a decent mouse. I don't tend to read much on my laptop, I prefer proper books and magazines (you can read them in planes when the seat belt light is on, I understand this may change), but I do know what you mean I have used the ipad to read a couple of technical documents, and it was easier than the laptop.
I do need MS office, excel, word and power point.
I have a fairly small laptop, so although the ipad is more portable, carrying my laptop isn't the biggest problem, I don't really want to carry both, mainly as it would be one more thing to take out of my bag at airport security.
Is there anyway around the lack of USB or other connection, being able to share large files quickly with memory sticks is really useful in meetings.