Why the ukulele?

Ive been playing the ukulele for just over a couple of years now - sad to say, I should be a much better player than i actually am - but happy to say, I really love it. I love the sound, I love the ease with which you can pick up a tune, I love the portability of the instrument, and I love the look of the Ukulele.
However as with all new hobbies and specialist interests you soon start to learn that all is not as you assumed and expected. If you are new to the world of ukulele, there might be a chance that youve never even heard of them, and if you have it might be in association with George Formby who certainly played, among other 4 string instruments a ukulele or two. However, as you turn over a few stones you start to realise that the ukulele goes way beyond a cheeky chappy who leans on lamposts. For a history of the ukulele have a look on wiki
And soon the newbie uke player is thinking that he rather fancys something a bit more sophisticated than his £15 Mahalo instrument off ebay (True. you can buy a decent enough brand new uke off ebay for £15. Any colour you want. There really is no excuse not to try one ;-)
A common step for the newbie uke player is to go up to say a £50 instrument - which does make a significant difference to the sound quality - and often that is enough to satisfy the uke player for many years to come. Often though ukulele players get a bit obsessive - and evolve not only as players but collectors too; such is the endearing quality of the uke.
Myself? I still love my 15 quid Mahalo soprano - its my every day strummer. I also have a second-hand Republic resonator concert, and a electric Risa solid (for when im traveling)