I find it interesting that you don't see the advantages in TVs, computers or cars in a more intellectual light. TV's and computers allow us to find out more about other cultures and come into contact with peoples from around the world that even a 16th century king would have a hard time contacting with. Having a car allows us to travel to places in a day that would have taken a king weeks to get to.
Also keep in mind that even as a lowly new college grad only making 35k a year you will be able to travel to places and see other countries that even a king would have a hard time doing (and if he could get to these places it would be a very miserable and long trip). You can travel anywhere a 16th century king would be able to travel to and more. You are able to talk to interesting people from around the world by simply punching a few digits into a cell phone. Hell a lot of these interesting people write books and have blogs that you can access within minutes and on a daily basis.
And do you think that the life of a 16th century English king was just so leisurely that he was able to hang out all day? Being king was an incredibly high pressured job that included cementing alliances, granting favors, fighting wars, settling internal disputes and always having to keep an eye open for someone trying to take your crown.