[jocampo]

I always use this as basic statement on my life: no material thing, including electronics, will improve my life whatsoever. If most people keep that in mind and accept electronics are just a luxury, they will stop complaining and just enjoy what they already have.

Kindles or eink readers, when still a luxury, can "feed your brain" if used correctly, so besides being an luxury or electronic device, it can educate. The same is for the iPad. Everything depends of the user.

As a professional IT guy and DBA, my home and work laptop stop being a toy long time ago, they are not Luxury devices because they generate revenue to me with their usage, but that's not the case for other electronic devices I have, including my new iPad wifi.

Bottom line: if your gadget or electronic device helps you making money, is not a toy anymore; everything else maybe fall under the category of luxury or fun.