I just saw something that makes a point I covered in a technology trends briefing for a client yesterday. After getting my Sun-dried Ethiopia Harrar (a $3.45 “clover-brewed,” ridiculously priced guilty pleasure – nice marketing job, Starbucks!), I noticed a young woman sitting behind me with her 5x7 notebook out, busily scribbling while bent over a large smartphone. Hmmm, I thought, let’s see what she’s doing. So I made pest of myself by asking a few questions. Here is some of the Q&A (her replies are abbreviated; she was actually quite helpful and not as curt):

• Q: Are you a student or is what you are doing for work? A: No, I’m actually working.
• Q: So do you have a PC? A: I do, but it’s a bulky 17” laptop that I got when I was a student, and I can do what I need on this.
• Q: Is that company-issued phone, or is it yours? A: It’s mine.
• Q: Does your company help by paying for any of the service? A: No, I pay it all myself.
• Q: Are you doing an official assignment? A: No, nobody told me to do this. I am ...
• Q: Do you even have your PC with you? A: No, I didn’t bring it.