Two guys and a girl walk into a Starbucks. Each is carrying a full-on desktop computer, complete with CRT monitor and keyboard.

No, it's not the setup for a joke. Well, it is, in a way, but three people did actually schlep full desktops PCs into a Starbucks, set them up and surf the 'net while two others filmed the crowd reaction using concealed cameras. It's a brilliant piece of street theatre and an interesting commentary on how fast technology gets outdated and on a mobile digital culture that excludes those who can't afford fancy-pants notebook computers -- and, I guess, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos.

The spectacle was put on by a group called Improv Everywhere. Check out the video here, and also cruise some of their other tech-related performances such as The MP3 Experiment and a little piece of clever called The Cell Phone Symphony.

Peter Wolchak