User of the laptop PC (er, ASUS ROG) here, too much of a luddite to get one of the iPad things out (small iPad lives in the car for ZapMap). Mobile phone is for ignoring or using as a hub for the endless gadgets, very useful for turning on the lights or the air conditioning when I’m in another country I’m sure (Kasa, Hue, it’s all on there).
Direct communication can be done via my location on the other side of the Galaxy through the Oculus Rift whilst I’m playing Elite Dangerous, but it’s a bit flaky.