Because Chromebooks are cheap, nobody spends money on them, so they’re perenially underpowered.
If you grew up with a Chromebook, your first “real” laptop–if you ever get one–would probably not be a more expensive Chromebook, you’d want a “real” computer: Windows or Mac.
Makes sense to make a clear delineation for the market with different branding, hardware and OS.
If we could get an OS that is as comfortable on a phone as it is on a tablet as it on a laptop, that would be pretty cool. I’m working a phone, tablet and desktop right now, and each has a different OS.
That said, leading with AI is a horrible fucking idea, you’re right. Sounds like something that sounded like a good idea a year ago, but the market has spoken out pretty clearly against AI-integration into Windows… but if it’s workable, I’d still count an Android laptop with solid h/w as a win.