Does the Media Fit the Format?

As I look at the evolution of installed applications and increasing capabilities of web applications, I’m no longer concerned about compatibility, but instead I am cognizant of screen real estate. How much do you need to see to make the experience satisfying?

Below is a breakdown of task preferences based on screen size (from smallest to largest):

Blackberry (2.2 to 2.6 inches)
-    Email
-    Text (IM, Twitter, etc.)

iPhone / Droid (3.5 to 4.3 inches)
-    Email
-    Text (IM, Twitter, etc.)
-    Photo Review (Facebook, Flickr, etc.)

iPad (9.7 inches)
-    Email
-    Text (IM, Twitter, etc.)
-    Photo Review (Facebook, Flickr, etc.)
-    Web Browsing (RSS, Blogs)
-    Games
-    Video

Laptop (13 to 15 inches)
-    Email
-    Document Creation
-    Blogging

Desktop Monitor (20 to 24 inches)
-    Coding
-    Photo Editing
-    Video Editing
-    Diagram Creation (Visio, Omnigraffle)

And with all of these options, we now have another medium to evaluate. Size-wise, this screen falls between the iPhone/Droid and iPad.
-    7-inch Nex Gen iPad (http://www.i4u.com/40562/next-gen-ipad-retina-display-128-gb)
-    Samsung GALAXY 7-inch Tab (http://galaxytab.samsungmobile.com/)

After reviewing the list above, I have decided that approximately 4 inches is the idea size for a mobile device/phone and 24 inches is the ideal size for the majority of my work activities, but there is room for something in the middle. I have used the iPad and it works very well, but is it portable enough? My Kindle is very portable, but is it too small? And now, with these new medium-sized options being vaporware, I can only speculate, but I’ll say there is space in my bag for a third magical device.