It is tempting for marketers to dream about the smooth and total transition of mobile marketing from smartphone straight to tablet - kicking aside the clumsy (at least for online ads) device that is the laptop. Even the relatively similarly-shaped e-reader does not deliver the same impact as a tablet computer, according to new stats from Starch Advertising Research that found that magazine ads viewed on tablet computers are more effective than those viewed on e-readers.

But laptops aren’t dead yet, at least if such manufacturers as Apple and Samsung have anything to say about it. So mobile ad strategies must continue to take into account these devices and their varying screen sizes.

Apple, for example, is on its way to selling over 10 million Airbooks as it continues to improve its ultra portable functionality, CNET notes. Toshiba, as another example, is poised to start selling its first glasses-free 3D laptop, according to PC World.

Destination Mobile Computing

There is the still a need for laptop computing, writes Gerry Purdy an analyst with MobileTrax, despite their seeming disadvantages, such as their workhorse aura. "Laptops are often frowned upon for use in most upscale restaurants, but it's perfectly acceptable and deemed cool to show someone something like photos or presentations using a tablet in such situations."

However, "they are great for content creation because of the large screen, keyboard, web browser, apps like iTunes and Skype, and the OS & applications that support content creation from Microsoft Office."