The Grouch is frankly surprised and pleased at the results of his mobile experiment. As the temperature rises across China, the idea of lugging around the space heater known as his Powerbook seems less and less attractive. If a mobile device can effectively take its place, then a new paradigm is achieved.

Not having continuous Internet access left the Grouchmind wandering in between tasks, but frankly, this is probably more blessing than curse. How much time do we waste on instant messaging, or Googling Black Sabbath lyrics?

This hypothesis was put to the test further when the Grouch went to western Zhejiang province to go scuba diving last weekend. The Grouchbook was carefully packed in anticipation of the hyped in-room DSL but-shock of shocks-things turned out to be not as promised in China.

It mattered not. For four days, the Grouch kept in touch with the cyberworld at large via Treo.

What the Grouch believes all of this proves is that we may take one more step towards liberation from our desks and offices. Technology, ultimately, serves humankind by making our lives easier, whether it's by traversing huge distances instantaneously, or being able to start a fire more quickly and easily than rubbing two sticks together.