"The vast majority of stuff that people do with their computers today is content consumption, not creation," says Selburn. "And for content consumption, the advantages a tablet has — in terms of usability and cost — probably keep it the superior option."

As for tablets , they will continue to evolve, say analysts — perhaps finally stepping out of the shadow of Apple. In fact, it appears that Amazon has led the way on that front, creating a device that doesn't try to replicate the iPad, but offers a different set of features for a different audience.

"What needs to happen is these products need to find a niche or differentiate themselves," says Arnold. "It's hard to put out a product that's kind of like the Apple ecosystem, but lacks the apps and costs the same amount."

Apps seem to be driving the most innovation these days — so much so that this year's CES has vastly expanded the amount of floor space dedicated to them. Once confined to a 4,000-foot section, the iLounge Pavilion now covers 75,000 square feet. The area was originally set to be 50,000 square feet this year, but was expanded because of demand.

The Sideways Play

The Sideways Play

A Bull-and-Bear Guide to ETFs

Commodities-Fueled Currencies Driven to Subtraction

EU Crisis Turns Has-Beens Into Hot Currencies

More ETF Strategist