There are no commercials in podcasts (or you can fast forward through them if there are). I have seen the programming lists, and I wouldn't say pay services on satellite are any better (at least not in my opinion, and as a consumer, that's what matters). I can load 30GB of music and podcasts on my iPod (and connect it to my car stereo). That's quite a bit of choice that doesn't require much planning.

I have never understood why anyone would pay for satellite radio programming. Most sporting games of any importance are broadcast on free radio. Paying for any other programming (music, talk shows, etc.) via satellite radio always struck me as frivolous (that's what iPods, CDs and podcasts are for). I guess the industry is just now figuring that out, judging by the XM/Sirius stock implosion.

Good question. Distributing weekly addresses or other programming installments on the Internet isn't ground breaking or revolutionary, though. Sorry. People have been doing that for years; they're called podcasts. If that's Obama's first great cutting edge technology innovation, count me disappointed. That doesn't count as change in my book. Please tell me we'll get more from this President's technology expertise than repurposed videos on YouTube.

Now doesn't seem like the best time for an automaker to discourage potential consumers. Last I checked Toyota's sales were set to record the first annual sales decline in 10 years. Might the company's energy be better spent learning how to effectively harness and direct social media efforts on the Web, instead?

I read about three books a month. I'm still one of those guys that prefers having the actual pages in my hand, though (there's something about the tactile feel of a book-not too mention the smell and pleasantness of heft). That said, I read a lot in bed or reclining on a couch. Books get heavy (take anything by Neal Stephenson, for example). I'd love to be able to read a Kindle in the dark, while in bed. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if this were possible (but my understanding is the screen requires ambient light). I wouldn't be worried about taking a couple years to recoup cost; the convenience of not having to travel to the bookstore and being able to carry multiple books (without all the weight) would justify any additional expense, in my mind.