You can't compare the touchpad with a bodged version of android to the ipad.
I know.

I have just yet to use an Android tablet that compared to the iPad in form factor and ease of use.
You can't compare the touchpad with a bodged version of android to the ipad.

I'm quite happy to use Windows 8 on some devices.... One's that I don't need to use the GUI on. Such as my media PCs.
I will keep 7 on my laptop. I'll never be getting a mac. I haven't met a person with a mac who isn't a prick.

What you said can very easily happen to Android as well. You description of M$ is not too far off from what Google is trying to do as well. People are being forced to use Google's "ecosystem" on Android, but luckily, it actually works. That doesn't change the fact everything you have has to run through Google first with your Google accounts.
/
Yeah, Google's ecosystem actually works and most of their services are cool and useful. The only Microsoft "service" that people use is Office so it's crazy that they're trying to force things that nobody wants. Because honestly - things like IE, hotmail and microsoft live are things that smart people peace the fuck out from. Nobody who knows what a tablet is uses those. Compared to things like Google maps, gmail or youtube.. well, Microsoft have their heads up their asses if they believe they can 'go Google' on people.
Now if it comes to touchscreens on laptops.. I don't know, I personally dislike them. First and most of all it's really inconvenient, having to reach to your screen instead of laying your palm comfortably on the keyboard. Secondly, I'd hate having to clean my laptop's screen all the time. Back in the days they already tried to introduce touchscreens to laptops and everyone thought it was a silly idea because of how inconvenient it was, so they dumped the idea.