I really hope Apple does get out of computers. I would almost bet that once they do that, they won't have devices chained to iTunes on a PC anymore.
Right now, an iPad *COULD* function without a PC - so long as you had a backup system in place. All Apple needs is cloud backup for files and data (iDisk could work), and streaming or perpetual download of iTunes/App Store purchases. An iPad and iPhone can already purchase stuff on-device through their respective iTunes/App Store apps anyway, so a PC is the real ball-and-chain thing here.
Of course, Apple would say to purchase other devices to keep copies of your iTunes stuff, but until the day comes when you can sync an iPad to an AppleTV, I just don't see them removing the chain to the PC. Similarly, they need to remove the requirement that you need to set up an initial sync for an iOS device before you can use it.
Finally, they also need to get rid of the requirement of having to tie a credit card to an iTunes account, or preload your account with credit from a prepurchased iTunes card. I HATE that! You should be able to set up an Apple ID without either, or they should offer a free $5 credit just to get you started.
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