I've been rocking a first gen iPad for the last 3 months as a laptop substitute - similar situation: fried logic board. I've really dug the iPad and more so now that you don't need to sync it with your computer. I think with a bluetooth keyboard for some word processing it would be a mighty cheap laptop replacement idea.

Word to the wise though, multitasking within Safari on my first gen iPad has been a bitch because when I switch tabs and go back the previous tab everything reloads. This affects mostly webmail. That's really my only gripe.

Netflix runs beautifully (my primary use), email is nice even with a touch screen I've gotten used to it.

I haven't used it as a medical professional might, and also I've never done any word processing.

Something you might want to consider is what are you going to do with all your old docs and pics and videos? Keep them on an external until you replace your laptop? That's what I've done btw.