I'm not into iPhones, nor do I want one even if it was given to me for free. You're right though, they are a fashion statement.

Okay Admin, what phone do you use then? Don't tell me you don't have one, everyone in Laos has one, even the monks. I wasn't into phones until they developed smart phones that connect to the internet using wifi, now it's become more than just a phone to make calls. I use it for many purposes, stock market, weather, gps, social media, skype, banking, youtube, and sometimes games. It provides me with a lot of info such as news so it keeps me up to date with what's going on in the world. I have wifi at home and work so don't need a data plan, just unlock the phone.
Hey admin, I'll give you my iphone 4S, would you take it? haha...

Admin you are a funny girl...

As with all things, in moderation. If used properly then technology can enrich our lives. I think Lao people are obsessed with mobile phones and iphone/ipads but that is also true for most of asia as well. Having a device where you can be connected all the time and just about anywhere in the world is very convenient, and having a phone that can do it all is even better. I carry one device which can serve as a camera/camcorder, laptop in my hand, gps, music/media player, flashlight, dictionary/translator, personal assistant and occaisionally a phone.

I do think it is annoying when I see people carrying around an ipad and not looking where they are going or taking pics with it, so obvious. Got to know your smart phone etiquette: no texting/talking while driving (common sense), put it on silent/vibrate when in a meeting or similar places so you don't disturb others, don't make it a priority to answer your phone in the presence of others (you can always call back or let it go to voicemail), and don't set annoying ringtones on your phone and let it ring several times before answering it cause others may not have the same taste in music as you do. One last one is something that bothered me today, don't take pics of people when they don't want to be photographed, you can get sued for it in some countries for invasion of privacy.
Okay Admin, have I convinced you of wanting one of these kool phones now, you know you want one...

Your precious computers are being replaced by these smart devices admin. Soon you will have to convert or be left like a dinasaur. Even Microsoft knows this and has started developing their windows 8 based around mobile devices and touch screens. Embrace the change, all things are subject to impermanence.

I also use a laptop for my job but it could very well be replaced by a tablet in the future. Touch keyboards and voice to text are the future, they just need to be further developed. Laptops replaced desktops, something will replace a laptop eventually, it's evolution. Look at fossil fueled cars being hybrids and then electric cars, who would have thought? My next vehicle I'm considering is a hybrid since gas is getting more and more expensive. Just because you want to keep hanging onto your traditional computers, doens't mean they will always be around. A-tracks got replaced by cassette tapes, then by cd's then by mp3's, etc..
You will come around one day admin, either by choice or not, haha...

http://www.pcworld.com/article/224628/apple_ipad_stifiling_laptop_sales.html