The iPad represents the ability to consolidate a laptop (3 pounds = 48 oz) and a Kindle (10 oz) into a single 24oz package. For the dedicated road warrior, two pounds is a big deal. I'm always making decisions on what to take or leave behind as a function of how much weight I want to lug around with me.

Does that, alone, give Apple a huge hit? No. Does that, alone, make me want to buy it? No. But don't discount the value of the weight savings.