Is it really the technology that we fear? In waiting for my new "brick," as the Thinkpad fans call their machines, I have been reading a whole host of good and bad reviews about the T400, the particular model I have purchased. 

It brings to mind all the expectations we all hold when purchasing new consumer equipment. Do we really expect that all these pieces of plastic and (sometimes) metal will respond how we want?

Many years ago I received a musical instrument. It is hand made of metal and string and solder, and naturally, since it cost at that time about $5600, I expected that it would function perfectly. Of course it did not. 

But I love it all the same, even though I have not played it for several years now. In a way, its faults became part of its character.

Something to be appreciated.