Frequently mentioned in these comments is what we really do "need". While necessities are food/clothing/shelter, I think the author of the post is looking at a

Frequently mentioned in these comments is what we really do "need". While necessities are food/clothing/shelter, I think the author of the post is looking at a different definition of need. He mentions video editors and how they need a Thunderbolt RAID array. His argument is whether a technology contributes substantially to ones profession. A Thunderbolt RAID array does contribute substantially, making it a justifiable purchase. He mentions ultraportables. He also mentions gamers (questionable "need" here... I think). But basically he is putting forth a rhetorical challenge. How straightforward is your justification for buying an iPad? As others had said, a tablet is not an essential. There may be use cases where it is very justifiable, but for most of us, it's not.