I'm not sure what you mean by 'the distinction between a device and an OS might not remain strong'. Can you say a bit more about that?
Sure. Few expect to change the OS of their iPhone, or even Android phone, or their tablet. I assume it won't be long before few expect the same of their laptop. Instead, I see people buying a new device when they want a new OS. Like cars, I see these technologies becoming more 'hermetically sealed'. Of course, there's good reason why this is bad, but I don't see the general populous motivated by those reservations. Actually, I'm surprised that laptop leasing plans aren't more widespread. You get a new computer, use it for 2 years, take it back, get your data (if there's any left that's not in the cloud) ported over, and you walk out with a new laptop. It will be terrible for privacy, but people will love it.