Yes it can as i have done so, I do have Pc's and laptops and of course there are things that you cant do. but for my daya to day computer use i can do every thing.
open edit and save all microsoft docs, email is very good, web surfing is best of breed,
Printing is easy (wifi or bluetooth) I have jailbroken mine so i can also use a usb stick via the camera kit.
think about what you would use a laptop for , if its just email and surfing which are netbook strong points then of course it can replace them.
I work in IT an dget all manner of harware to test and use including the Galaxy and streak (i disagree, the IPAd is better its just slick and works well designed) I went with IPAD as i had a lot invested in itunes apps for my iphone,
not been able to play flash can be an annoyance, but have adjusted mine so it can play some flash, but there are alternatives out there, and flash is on a decline as more and more sites use html5 for the video sites, I watch plenty on you tube,
its easy to put your dvds on there, either ripped or downloaded.
its far too expensive though for what it is, if you have £700 to spare a pc for that money would be a better investment, but you cant carry that around with you.
its a big iphone. yep thats exactly what it is. the iphone was great and i used all the time but wanted a bigger screen hence getting the ipad.
IPad sits in your hand nicely (bit heavey) reading books is easy on the eye , watching films is very easy on the eye.
alternatives.
the other harware manufactures are playing catch up and rushing products out, must run android, which isnt great on big screens yet.
anyway enough waffle, go in to a shop and try one out, if you like it get it.
why do you need a camera on the device, bit big for a phone, and connectivity wise I can do all the galaxy can
and i can us