This made me chuckle. I can picture it - the looking around trying to find something to grab onto as a conversation starter.<p>It's funny because to one personality type this is a negative impact and to others it is positive. Me - I'm thrilled that my generic device does something to help me from being approached by strangers.<p>And as a general tip - looking at the screen only makes you creepy it doesn't help - because you can't decide for someone else if what they are doing is interruption worthy. I know a guy in my office who does that and it makes me want to punch him in the face. ("Oh - you're on HN! Good, then it's not a problem if I interrupt you right now.")