Does a tablet have to be different than a laptop?

In one of Scoble’s comments, someone asks:

“Why does a tablet have to be different than a laptop?”

Outside of a few obvious differences (such as the screen digitizer), Tablets and laptops don’t have to be different. However, what I’ve noticed is that because Tablets are just different enough–making it practical to use them in more and varied ways than their notebook cousins–that I start wanting more. I want some changes to Windows and my Tablet. I’d like to see optional start screens that are more like those in a Pocket PC, because drilling through menus is too slow. I want to click and go. I’d also like to see programs redesigned so hovering on items provides direct or indirect access to context menus rather than right clicking or double clicking–both which are a bit clumsy to do with a pen. I’d like faster bootup so I can use my Tablet at the split second I need it, wherever I am. I’d like all-day battery life too, since I’m using my computer in many places away from the wall. But when you think about it, these are features that all Windows and notebook users would probably enjoy.

So does the Tablet need a different OS or a different set of applications than those that run on plain notebooks? Nope. From what I see, Tablets are just different enough that they point out changes to Windows and many apps–changes that probably will enhance the user experience for all Windows users.

Even if Tablets are kept separate from notebooks, there are several innovations–in fact, maybe all innovations–that probably make sense for the greater computer community.

So maybe Tablets have to be just different enough from notebooks today so that we expand or alter the way we use our computers so that in the end we can make them the same.