I'm sick and tired of hearing this. Tablets became a mass product when the hardware advancement allowed for it. Many "failed" tablets were simply ahead of their time, trying to accomplish things that the hardware wasn't capable of pulling off. Moore's law in action, the question is when you decide to ride the wave -- pick the right moment, and you'll surf like a champion. A year too soon, a year too late, and you'll fall.

I am not saying software isn't important, I am just saying it comes after. Good software cannot make bad hardware look good. Good hardware can always get better software -- it's in the definition of software, for crying out loud!