Dr. Sowell most likely gives talks at various confabs and conferences, and these events tend to be at hotels that are "fancy" enough to *have* conference space. Quite often, these events put up their guests in rooms as part of the overall compensation package for coming out and giving the talk or panel or lecture or whatever. In short, Jim, I don't think Dr. Sowell is a rich guy who just goes out to luxury hotels on a whim. As to myself, I can usually figure out the devices easily enough, but I'm a geek that way, and even I recognize that many of them are more complex than necessary, which could be problematic for people who have dedicated their brain power elsewhere.