Notable observation by Levy: "Replacing the hardware is no more complicated or emotionally involved than changing a flashlight battery." This is followed, in t

Notable observation by Levy: "Replacing the hardware is no more complicated or emotionally involved than changing a flashlight battery." This is followed, in the next paragraph, by the "you’re filing citizen papers for the digital duchy of Amazonia" observation already remarked on in another comment. Not enough attention is being given to this aspect - the device is mostly irrelevant, the 'appstore' account is key. In time, the user accounts will eventually accumulate a significant amount of value. However, these accounts are designed as personal and non-transferable. A couple of years into the wide use of the appstores, in practice, they work as if the "used" content is of no value. But perhaps soon we will have divorce lawyers settling who keeps the house, the car and the Amazon (or iTunes) account ...