Their rep as entertainment devices is already changing, though: we've seen slates with pen input and bundled keyboard docks burst onto the market this year, and Windows 8 is only boosting that corporate-friendly image.

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Despite the ire U.K. companies are facing from activists in their own backyard, across the globe they are recognized as leaders when it comes to corporate governance and transparent, shareholder-friendly executive compensation policies.

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Delaware is a huge draw for many companies because of its business-friendly climate, from strong corporate privacy rules to favorable tax laws.

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The U.S. corporate tax environment is one of the least business-friendly in the world.

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It might then consider adopting another quite modest proposal, recently advanced by Ira Millstein, a leading lawyer and corporate-governance reformer, and a rule long observed in more shareholder-friendly places such as Britain: if, by withholding support, shareholders cast more votes against a candidate than in favour, he should not be elected to the board.

ECONOMIST: Another proxy season, another gazillion wasted votes