Just wanted to add I agree with nearly everything you said save desktops.

>Who needs a big machine with a monitor when you can do just about everything on a Chromebook or iPad

You did say we didn't need laptops or monitors.

People having been able to do without full fledged desktops doesn't imply the format is either dead or without merit.

It remains the best tool for the job for many many tasks especially if you have a merely average amount of funds or need above average performance.