The patent system in the US has been abused since its inception. Some of the most ridiculous patents were filed in the 19th century. Lots of quack formulas for drugs that didn't work, and in some cases were dangerous. The copyright system is even more screwed up.

As for the Apple tablet, I'd consider it. There are rumors of an Apple iBook, possibly in tablet form that's to be released at the end of the month. Since I'm in the market to replace my recently stolen Powerbook, it's on my list of machines to check out if it is released. If it does urn out to be real, imagine the possibilities if it were combined with Adobe Illustrator.