First off Linux is just the Kernel, the kernel team does not design operating systems, let alone computers. I am sure that some manufacturers are now considering building aiPad like devices that run Linux based distros like Android, however because of the popularity/consumer monopolies of win** and apple it would not be a good marketing decision for them to announce that they are using Linux aka something different. I can pretty much guarantee that computer manufacturers will be pushing them in no time at all, but you won't hear the word linux from their announcments, so they will be reasonable quiet launches.

Personally I use Linux all of the time, but even if Linux is announced to be on a mobile device I won't purchase the toys like cellphones, book readers, tablets, etc... because I find no use for them in my life. I prefer to be the developer/maintainer rather than a blind consumer. that runs to get hte latest and greatest.

Microsoft has been trying to market a tablet for a decade. There are tablet versions of laptops already on the market, though, not as sparkly or inexpensive. But they do have usb connections, allow multitasking, work with flash (good or bad point I'm not so sure) and if using a Linux distro, are not encumbered by DRM.
I don't really have a use for a shiny new device, my laptop tethers off of my old Palm just fine, and my laptop doesn't require me to sit with my knees up so I can type on it.
But I'm sure that the legions of apple fanboys will soon be carrying around this oversized iphone, until they get tired of its bulky size and start leaving it in behind because, unlike the iphone, it doesn't fit in any pocket that I have seen. Hmmm, unless Apple comes out with an iSnuggie with a big pocket.

And the news is already out, MSI is planning an android powered tablet to compete with the itablet or whatever it is called.

http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=10/01/29/1448208