While I can sympathize with you retail woes, I usually find that it works the other way around. The clerk asks for the odd personal details (usually: "Where are you from?" or: "I can't quite place that accent.") or tells me how they're doing. I guess it's supposed to put me at ease.

Also, I've never seen an internet-capable register that the customer dealt with. (I've seen the odd register that goes online to verify credit cards or checks, and I think Borders can do a check of their other stores, but. . .) Did this joker really think you'd let him check his e-mail on the register even if it did connect?