I was planning to post on something else, but with the imminent release of the iPad 3, I decided to write about the phenomenon of unboxing (sometimes referred to as Geek Porn). [Image credit: ntr23]

When a new technological gadget is received, some people video the ‘unboxing event’ and post the video on YouTube. The videos can get millions of hits.

Companies have caught on to the trend and are creating packaging that enhances the experience. And the unboxing fad is a boon to marketing leverage: to drive sales — even before the release of the product — people are paid to create high quality unboxing videos.

But millions of technophiles view the videos for the vicarious thrill, with no intent to purchase.

If you’re curious, check out YouTube for some unboxing videos.