Constant Lack of Focus, or Continuous Partial Attention?

Some things I don't like to see happen during meetings:

• Using laptops to check up on e-mails, send instant messages, etc
• Constantly checking a cell phone - and even answering during a meeting
• People talking to each other while you are talking
• Reading or writing non-meeting-related materials
• Knitting (yes, one developer used to knit during meetings!)

Until recently, I didn't know that there was even a term for such behavior.

Apparently, it's called "Continuous Partial Attention" and some people consider it not only appropriate, but an effective way to increase productivity. 

Silly me, I just called it rude.

See:
http://www.scottberkun.com/essays/essay51.htm
http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2005/06/supernova_2005_2.html
http://joi.ito.com/archives/2004/03/29/continuous_partial_attention.html
http://www.inc.com/magazine/20020101/23805.html
http://www.well.com/~neal/
http://www.smartmobs.com/archive/2003/01/03/multitasking_be.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/30/opinion/30FRIE.html?ex=1143262800&en=787e61f240894d61&ei=5070
http://gilbane.com/blog/archives/2006/03/post.html
http://getreal.corante.com/archives/2005/07/01/linda_stone_at_supernova_continuous_partial_attention.php
http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?ItemID=19475
http://www.roughtype.com/archives/2005/06/continuous_part.php
http://www.stickyminds.com/news.asp?ObjectId=14495