...why would you leave a tablet or a laptop in a shopping cart?! I don't mean 'why did you forget', why would you leave it out of your hand at all, or leave anything in a shopping cart? I pull out my phone to check a price or product specification sometimes when shopping, but then I put it back in my pocket, not in my grocery basket.
I imagine they can't fit their iPad in their pockets. I'm guessing they prefer using their iPad to their phone for their shopping list, maybe because it's easier for them to read.
Some people leave their stuff in a shopping cart, some people don't setup their new laptop completely, some people aren't careful with their equipment at airport security. It's not a personal failing, it's just the way they are.
Honestly I'm kind of surprised one would bring their tablet at all. Having a phone is useful in situations like you said, but I can see no good reason to bring a tablet.
