Technological disobedience

'Make yourself comfortable, Mr. Thoreau.

Some green tea? Organic protein bar?

Given the demands of your cabin and garden, we're grateful you've agreed to test out the prototype of PodPad -- the exciting new Internet platform, phone, writing slate, security camera and baby monitor. All in one."

"I'll do my best. Although I've often said that inventions are wont to be pretty toys which distract our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end."

"Interesting take. Mind if I call you Henry? You can Tweet that distraction bit to your followers as soon as we boot things up here."

"Followers, did you say? What would they be for? I have a great deal of company in my house; especially in the morning, when nobody calls."

"Twitter's just the thing, Henry. Tweet your latest insights to friends using PodPad. Post a watercolor of Walden Pond on your webpage. Or add a neighboring farmer to your Facebook account."

"Good one, Henry. This little beauty is hungry for information, ravenous for detail."

"I must confess that I am a seeker neither of detail nor information. Life is frittered away by it. On a winter's eve, when the cabin is quiet, I've often admonished myself: 'Simplify,' I say to no one but the wind. 'Simplify.' "

"Yes, simplicity. That's why you'll appreciate PodPad. Just the tool you need. Click on your search engine for starters and bring up GoogleEarth. (Hum, buzz.) There you go: Concord, Mass., in high-def!"

"Did you describe this small gewgaw as a tool?"

"Of course. The latest for staying in touch with friends and trends."

"Intriguing angle, Henry. But PodPad's customizing options ensure that it's more than just your typical handheld. PodPad thinks ahead, beeping reminders, anticipating family birthdays, predicting pressing budget needs even in your world way out in the sticks."

"Will it hammer a nail? Or cut a beam for joining?"

"Nothing so pedestrian, my friend. As you'll discover, PodPad's best quality is that it distracts from that sort of drudgery. Tell me which online pastimes make you click, Henry. I'm betting 'Angry Birds' is one. Maybe you're into role playing or fantasy gaming?"

"Time, for me, passes swiftly. Too much so for me to wish it forward."

"We're running a bit short on time at the moment. Any questions about the device?"

"Admire that questing nature of yours, Henry. The meaning of life ... I'm sure there's an app for that. PodPad is the next-wave device for thought leaders of your stature."

"A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone. I must be going."

"Wait, Henry. Please. Ignore PodPad and you run the risk of dropping out of the loop. (Sound of a wooden chair scraping.) What about texting? I haven't shown you the baby-monitor function. Need to check out Hotwire. Foursquare. Wait until you shop for Mrs. Thoreau on Overstock! Don't forget TruuConfessions. Blogster.com ...

"Henry?"

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