answer:Excellent question! I can tell you a lot about the iPad. Can it make phone calls. Yes- there are a few apps that allow phone calls. It is a bit large but I have used it to call with headphones. Yes there are texting apps that are quite good. Yes you can edit documents and make Keynote presentations. (Mac version of powerpoint) Yes- it is an excellent eReader. Content can come from several apps, the Kindle store, Nook, Google etc. Yes it accepts bluetooth keyboards- I have never needed a mouse as I just touch the screen. That being said there is no iPad 4, yet. There is the latest iPad- the third generation- which was announced today at Apple The iPad (coming out on the 16th) would be able to replace my laptop because it allows me to work on files up to 100mb. It also has a new dictation feature that will type up what you say. I do my banking with mine too- take a photo of checks to deposit them. My laptop wont be so kind. Any other questions?