Forgot to mention that that tethering is simply a means to try to accomplish what I formalized (by trying to use the communications ability of one device with the CPU and I/O of another.

Steve is right. While I take redundant small electron gadgets when I travel (in case one gets broken or stolen) the OP was written because of the frustration with looking at all the CPU's, memory and batteries when all I'm interested in is differences in software and the form factor of the input output devices.

What we have right now is the equivalent of buying a new desktop PC each time we want a new monitor or keyboard.

Jeff