I ideal of a bitcoin that you can spend across the internet is a most beautiful concept. However, the technology behind the concept fails it. Excessive usage charges - I don't get charged each time I use my debit card. Security - my bank guarantees my funds even if they screw up. Speed - it takes seconds to withdraw cash or process a payment by Debit/Credit card. No confirmations needed. My money is accepted around the world at almost each and every merchant - I tried to buy a basket of goods last week with bitcoin and the Marchand couldn't be bothered. So I left. See other thread. No one will ever use or accept bit coin until these problems are addressed  immediately.