I might be wrong (read: I'm talking out my ass here), but two big differences between tapping electrical-line power and tapping radio waves, in this respect, are that first, there is generally a lot more energy siphoned off the power lines, and second, the purpose of radio towers is to emit "x" amount of power with no expectation of ever seeing it again. OTOH, the power lines are being monitored on both ends, and the difference by EMF loss is compensated for by pumping more power into the system. While strictly speaking, too many of these antennas could cause a "shadow" that would block a radio signal, I can't imagine that in use they'd be placed right or be opaque enough to have an effect that required compensation.

Or "6" if you're standing on your head

No, that would end in "9".

every communications contract i've ever seen states clearly they will assist law enforcement, and makes zero promise to protect you from investigation.

And this is (part of) the problem.

What's more, you can't get ebooks secondhand or closeout. Forget 50% markup-- aside from programming manuals and the like (which usually only go closeout once they're obsolete), I get sticker-shock just looking at the MSRP of most paper books.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that for Kindle books (and others, I imagine), there is some extra work involved in reformatting them for ebook readers. I've heard gripes and annoyances from a friend of mine who had to beat a book into shape for Kindlization. While it might become a matter of course for a larger seller, for a smaller or less dedicated seller, it might be enough of an annoyance to justify a price hike.

Along those same lines, I'd agree with the summary (RTFA? Me? Never!) that early computer education needs to be divorced from only the dull and pointless (MS Office training) and the specialized (programming) to include a wider range of activities that use computers as a tool. Computers have advanced in usability to the point where interacting with "the computer" is overshadowed by interacting with software, websites, and people. Frame computer literacy not in terms of "computer classes", but in terms of art, writing, design, engineering, yes-- programming, and all the creative endeavors that use the computer as a tool.

Yes, sarcasm intended.

Please, be realistic. Would you actually expect a company like Apple to intentionally lock out and cripple functionality on a general-purpose device like that, requiring hacks and hoops to unlock the capabilities that should... ...

Hmm... maybe if they contracted with Verizon...

It does show a bit of a stupidity hole, though, where a cheaper and possibly better device to serve the purpose needed is being overlooked or denied simply because of a classification or certification. In a business that is profitable by way of its own thrift, it seems illogical that the insurer is requiring a higher-priced alternative when the client has requested a cost-saver.

Furthermore, the required pigeonholing and bureaucracy could stifle innovation. For example, if an inventor creates a helpful addition to a common device, will it be denied coverage (and wider adoption) if it's not solely marketed as a medical device?

Of course, other issues do come into play: Will others attempt to scam desirable multi-purpose devices that marginally assist with medical problems, or what happens if the device isn't up to the task, and the client comes back later wanting the real thing?