Hi Sandpiper,
I haven't been pricing computers recently, but what you say makes sense - supply and demand is powerful. If the laptop and computer manufacturers are experiencing less demand, it would be natural they would lower prices.
As for your other question, I have a iPad, and I like it a lot. I'm still learning how to use it, but I have now read two e-books on it, which worked out well. I also took it into the kitchen and called up recipes from
the Food network on it. That saved me printing out the recipes. But I am not sure I wouldn't prefer to have my recipes printed out. Maybe if I created my own online "cookbook" on the iPad, that would be OK... I'll have to think about that.
It hasn't replaced my desktop as my preferred computer, but I do think I will continue to find ways to use it where a desktop would not work as well.