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Dennis, it's a fair point. In the larger sense, the world doesn't need UMPCs. (No one needed the iPhone, either.) But it is a new form factor... and I'm sure there are those out there who don't need a desk-bound computer, think cellphones are too small and laptops are too big for their needs... yet a UMPC would fit their needs perfectly. That alone makes the device worthwhile, for somebody.
It's just another choice for the consumer, and I'm always for more choices, more ways to personalize the things you do. If a PC works for your e-book reading, by all means, go for it. If you like to read on a Blackberry, use that instead. And if you really want to read on your Gameboy... more power to you.
I don't begrudge any company in trying to sell a product. I do rail against selling products under false pretenses, about as much as I hate to see consumers respond to condescending and psychologically-loaded ads. (As you might guess, advertising, and consumer response to ads, have made me livid on occasion...)
I also rail against being forced to buy a product, or being denied available choices. Fortunately, when it comes to e-book reading hardware, we have lots of choices, many configurations offered by multiple brands, and that's good. If people's choices are larger, they are more likely to find the most comfortable way of doing whatever they want to do... like reading e-books... and therefore, will probably do it more. If the UMPC does that for someone, it is to be lauded.
And after all, it's not like anyone is forcing you to buy one...
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