Take it with reserves as I can't remember where I read it days ago. It was, Apple the one asking INTEL for higher efficiency processors and as a response INTEL created the 300 million initiative they called "ultrabooks". As I remember It was something like "if you don't provide us (Apple) with higher efficiency processors we are going to look else where (ARM or AMD?)". Remember the AIR was the first machine to include the low powered Core2 1.4 GHz INTEL mobile processor. But now Apple is pushing its entire line of Mac Books to be an AIR like form factor including 15' model rumors. Also Apple comment said they were looking for close to 10 hours constant use for most of their line.
With respect of design I think every company should develop its own image and don't try to mimic others emerging designs. Arguing tablets or ultra-books have a default design is trying to ignore why we have a difference appearance and why it represents an advantage.
Design have been a powerful distinction fundament of mayor civilizations and a great contribution. Today, design is key in the entire industry, so why go blind now with tablets or ultrabooks? Because, not for the best user experience or advantage most companies are chasing some Apple designs. I am sure in the next incarnations we will see key design differences in tablets, smartphones and ultrabooks. Saying this I think the SAMSUNG tablets look very impressive, even better than the iPad, I just can't ignore they are Apple based. I don't have an iPad or an AIR and I am not temped yet with tablets, with the AIR, not even.