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I remember, I remember, back in the day, when laptops were things to be marvelled at. Anyone on a train with a laptop computer would find people looking, pointing, maybe trying to sneak a glimpse at the wondrous machine.

It's still occasionally noticeable today. The first people on the tube with PSPs, the first people out in public with iPhones, they each drew their share of admiring, interested, or envious glances. They were commentworthy.

Yesterday, for the first time ever, I noticed it happening to me. Passengers on the train cast furtive glances when they thought I wasn't looking. Someone drew a friend's attention. Another traveller peered over my shoulder for a better look.

I was reading a hand-written letter.