The majority of the market is not 'geeks' but they certainly know what 'larger' looks like.
Phones are being used as computers nowadays, and the larger screens are very appealing to a large part of the market. And yes - this is a large "PHONE"
Call it a tablet - that's right, but unlike other tablets, this can take and receive phone calls, and that means its a phone replacement tablet.
You don't have to be a geek to know that when you need your iPad it's not with you - it's back at home sitting on your living room coffee table, because the thing is too darn big to carry around.
Those complaining about this being "small" aren't getting it - these are sold at Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, where its absolutely huge compared to everything else - compared to the other PHONES.