and....

You've not factored in the cost saving of the Councillors equipment.

I work in a council in IT, Councillors get the following.

1. PC in their home

2. Multipurpose printer/copier/fax

3. Digital Camera???

4. Broadband connection

5. Routing equipment and associated security bumph to automatically encrypt and secure.

The cost of this and yearly upkeep is more expensive than a basic ipad with 3g.

On top of all the equipment they get in the home there is a support costs, where IT staff home visit to repair equipment, not ideal during working hours (seeing as most Councillors also have a day job, unless they are already techno confused pensioners).

So I can see how an easy to use ipad could be perfect! I have seen trials of blackberry's, not ideal when the average Councillors dexterity is about the same as your average 70 year old.