"...but they can actually pinpoint the serial number of the unit you purchased."
So what? What do you think they are going to do to you with this information? Do you really think that the CEO of Walmart gives a toss about you as an individual? Companies are just interested in categorizing you (e.g. Double Income No Kids, Single Man - Likes Technology, Unemployed, etc) so that they can direct their marketing budget more effectively - e.g. to avoid wasting their time and your time sending you information on the latest new nappy if you haven't got young kids.
Slashdot Mirror
"...but they can actually pinpoint the serial number of the unit you purchased." So what? What do you think they are going to do to you with this information? Do you really think that the CEO of Walmart gives a toss about you as an individual? Companies are just interested in categorizing you (e.g. Double Income No Kids, Single Man - Likes Technology, Unemployed, etc) so that they can direct their marketing budget more effectively - e.g. to avoid wasting their time and your time sending you information on the latest new nappy if you haven't got young kids.